Financial outlook for Koepka, relief for Faldo, Tiger Woods’ birthday bash, a bold burglary, and Daly’s new campsite. The Back Nine.
Not everyone was pleased: Vijay Singh literally cashes in on the money list tour card at the tender age of 62 – and of course, some voices grumble, arguing that the Fijian takes a starting spot from those who need tournament entries to secure their livelihood. That’s somewhat true, considering Singh’s career earnings exceed $71 million, meaning he likely has no worries about daily bread. But the three-time major winner is a competitor and a training fanatic who wants to prove himself again – 24 years after his PGA Tour debut at 29, with 34 tournament wins later. He’s driven by the challenge against much younger players. Also, if the rule granting a tour card via career earnings exemption for a chosen season exists, why not use it?
Singh marked his comeback with a strong start at the Sony Open, posting rounds of 68 and 70 to make the weekend cut. It was tough, but he made it. Singh is the oldest player since Fred Couples in 2023 at the Masters to survive a PGA Tour cut. 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 now has 506 cuts made out of 638 attempts and finished tied for 40th place with rounds of 68 and 69, five under par for the tournament.
Koepka Allowed to Compete for FedEx Millions
Brooks Koepka, the LIV returnee, could make some serious money this season. Originally, Koepka agreed to rejoin the PGA Tour under conditions including donating five million dollars to charity, foregoing shares of the Player Equity Program for five years, and waiving eligibility for the FedEx Cup bonus pool, which will be filled with 40 million dollars in 2026 to be awarded at the Tour Championship. However, the Tour has now classified this bonus money as official prize money. Therefore, the five-time major winner can compete for the $10 million winner’s check and the prize money for those placing at the season finale at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, provided he qualifies.
Sir Nick Faldo: Open-Heart Surgery and Recovery
Looking ahead to the Masters, Sir Nick Faldo underwent open-heart surgery in the USA and has reported a positive recovery on social media. The six-time major champion, now 68, spent two weeks in Cleveland with his wife Lindsay and had preventive surgery to correct an enlarged aorta by renowned heart surgeon Dr. Lars Svensson at the Cleveland Clinic. \”Home has never felt better,\” Faldo shared. He will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his last of three Green Jackets (1989, 1990, 1996) at the upcoming 90th Masters in April.
Highlights from Tiger Woods’ Birthday Celebration
In a chronicle of notable events, here are some impressions from the gala celebrating Tiger Woods’ 50th birthday, hosted by the superstar’s T