Monetary outlook for Koepka, relief for Faldo, Tiger’s party, a brazen robbery, Daly’s new camping spot. The Back Nine.
Not everyone was happy: Vijay Singh literally claimed a PGA Tour card through career earnings at the tender age of 62 – and of course, some voices complained that the Fijian is taking a start slot from those who desperately need tournament appearances to secure their livelihood. That’s partly true, as with career prize money exceeding $71 million, Singh likely doesn’t worry about daily expenses anymore. But the three-time major winner is a fierce competitor and a training enthusiast, eager to test himself once more – 24 years after his PGA Tour debut at age 29 and 34 tournament wins later. He is excited by the challenge of competing against much younger players. Also, if the rule granting a tour card via career earnings exemption for one chosen season exists, then he’s entitled to it.
Singh made an immediate mark in his first restart on the tour. The veteran qualified for the weekend at the Sony Open with rounds of 68 and 70 strokes—barely making the cut but still making it. This makes Singh the oldest player since Fred Couples in 2023 at the Masters to make a cut on the PGA Tour. Additionally, by playing the weekend in Hawaii, Singh achieved the rare feat of making a cut on the PGA Tour in his fourth decade as a professional. Overall, he has now made 506 of 638 cuts and finished tied 40th at five under par after subsequent rounds of 68 and 69 strokes.
Koepka Allowed to Compete for FedEx Cup Millions
Another Lex Koepka? The LIV Tour returnee might make a significant payday this season. Originally, Brooks Koepka agreed to rejoin the PGA Tour and come back directly under conditions to donate five million dollars to charity, abstain for five years from shares in the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program, and renounce FedEx Cup bonus pool participation worth $40 million in 2026 disbursed at the Tour Championship. However, this prize money has now been declared official prize money by the Tour. Therefore, the five-time major winner can compete for the $10 million winner’s check and other prizes if he qualifies for the season finale at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.
Sir Nick Faldo Undergoes Open-Heart Surgery
With the Masters in sight: Sir Nick Faldo has undergone an open-heart surgery in the USA and has now reported back with a positive attitude on social media. The six-time major champion, now 68, spent two weeks in Cleveland with his wife Lindsay and had the enlarged aorta preemptively corrected at the Cleveland Clinic by renowned heart surgeon Dr. Lars Svensson. “Never felt better at home,” Faldo said, who will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his last of three Green Jackets (1989, 1990, 1996) at the 90th Masters next April.
Highlights from Tiger Woods’ 50th Birthday Celebration
Chronicle duty: Here are some impressions from the gala event honoring Tiger Woods