‘This is ridiculous’ – 62-year-old golf legend exploits PGA Tour rule to start in Signature Event

Golf legend Vijay Singh is set for a PGA Tour comeback at the age of 62.

Three-time-major-winner Singh has used his standing on the PGA Tour career money list to restore his full status for 2026.

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Under current PGA Tour regulations, anyone inside the top 50 in career earnings can use a one-time credit to earn a card for the season.

Those in the top 25, meanwhile, get an extra one-time pass.

And two-time PGA Championship winner and Masters champion Singh has taken up the opportunity to return to the circuit this year.

The Fijian currently ranks sixth on the career money list on $71.2m owing to 34 career victories and three majors during an illustrious golf career.

During his prime, Tiger Woods described Singh as the toughest opponent of his career, over the likes of Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els.

And Singh is expected to be part of the Sony Open, which is the PGA’s first Signature Event of the season.

The Sony Open, which takes place in Hawaii, runs from the 15th to the 18th of January, while the tournament itself is the largest charity golf event in Hawaii having raised over $26m since 1999.

The event will mark Singh’s first regular PGA Tour event since the 2021 Honda Classic.

Career earnings exemption criticised

However, Singh’s decision to return to professional golf’s most prominent circuit has drawn criticism.

Outspoken pundit Brandel Chamblee posted on X: “This is what happens when you give into or give too much power to players.

“If the PGA Tour is going to claim to be a sport based upon meritocracy, you can’t allow players to monetize their performances of a decade or decades ago, through current exemptions.

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“Sport must always answer the question: why are you here rather than someone else? And the answer can never be because I was great ten or twenty years ago.”

‘This is ridiculous’

Prominent social media commentator Lou Stagner echoed Chamblee’s sentiments, posting: “This is RIDICULOUS.

“Vijay Singh is using the career money list exemption to get full status on the PGA tour this year as a soon-to-be 63 year old.

“Guys out here grinding for starts and Vijay is gonna take up spots as a 63 year old dude? Vijay is already signed up for the season opening Sony Open in Hawaii.

“This is beyond ridiculous in my opinion. Change the rule. Don’t let him play.”

It remains to be seen how many tournaments beyond the Sony Open, who is ranked 2548th in the world, Singh competes in.

And of course, there are some who would argue the golfing great has earned his place.