Vijay Singh’s choice to use his PGA Tour card for the 2026 season drew a lot of criticism early on, but some minds are starting to change after seeing his play so far at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
The 62-year-old is tied for 32nd place at Waialae, shooting a second-round 68 to bookend a 70 and head into Sunday at 4 under.
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Singh took advantage of the career money exemption this year, allowing him to play in most of the full-field events marking his return to the PGA Tour. Although this decision was not widely accepted at first, he seems well enough to stick with his decision.
His performance in Hawaii suggests he still has a lot left in the tank. It also showed that age hasn’t completely robbed him of his skill set and shot-making ability.
Phil Mickelson shares his thoughts on Vijay Singh’s Sony Open performance
Photo credit: Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR, Getty Images
Phil Mickelson understands what it’s like to be the oldest player on the field. The High Flyers captain, who turns 56 in June, holds that title on the LIV golf circuit.
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Mickelson had battled with Singh during his time on the PGA Tour and wasn’t shy about showing his respect for the Fijian’s continued commitment to the sport.
“He is incredibly talented and one of the hardest working people I have ever seen,” the 56-year-old wrote in X.
Vijay Singh shows he’s still on the PGA Tour
Singh quieted much of the criticism that came with his decision to accept his PGA Tour card this season.
His last appearance in a regular PGA Tour event was at the 2021 Honda Classic, so it was understandable that some wondered if that meant anything.
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The 62-year-old certainly earned the right to take advantage of the opportunity afforded by career money waivers, just as Brooks Koepka did under different circumstances earlier this year.
But he’s proving he’s not out of place. He even managed to qualify where players like Collin Morikawa and Keegan Bradley couldn’t.
He’s four strokes out of the top 10, and given how many names are ahead of him, it’s unlikely he’ll close that gap. But just getting through all 72 holes would be a great start to his season.
Still, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Singh go all week without an over-par round.
