Financial outlook for Koepka, relief for Faldo, Tiger’s celebration, a daring robbery, Daly’s new camping spot. The Back Nine.
Not everyone was pleased: Vijay Singh literally draws the career money list exemption card at the tender age of 62, sparking some complaints. Critics argue that the Fijian star takes a start spot away from players who rely on tournament entries for their livelihood. There’s truth to that, as with over $71 million in career prize money, Singh likely has no financial worries. However, the three-time major champion is a fierce competitor and dedicated trainer who wants to test himself again—24 years after his PGA Tour debut at age 29 and 34 tournament wins later. He is motivated by competing against much younger players. Also, if the rule allows a tour card via career earnings exemption for a season of choice, then he’s entitled to it.
Singh made an immediate impact upon his return at the Sony Open, qualifying for the weekend with rounds of 68 and 70 strokes. Although barely making the cut, he became the oldest player since Fred Couples in 2023 at the Masters to make a cut on the PGA Tour. By playing the weekend in Hawaii, Singh achieved the rare feat of making a PGA Tour cut in his fourth decade as a pro. Overall, he has made 506 out of 638 cuts and finished tied 40th with a total of five under par after rounds of 68 and 69.
Koepka Allowed to Compete for FedEx Cup Millions
Another twist for Brooks Koepka? The LIV returnee could earn significant money this season. Originally, Koepka agreed to rejoin the PGA Tour under conditions including a $5 million charitable donation, forgoing shares in the Player Equity Program, and not participating in the FedEx Cup bonus pool for five years. However, the Tour has now classified this bonus money as official prize money. The five-time major winner can compete for the $10 million winner’s check and payouts to other top finishers if he qualifies for the season finale at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.
Sir Nick Faldo Underwent Open-Heart Surgery
Looking ahead to the Masters: Six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo underwent open-heart surgery in the U.S. and has returned in good spirits on social media. The 68-year-old and his wife Lindsay spent two weeks in Cleveland, where he had his enlarged aorta corrected by renowned heart surgeon Dr. Lars Svensson at the Cleveland Clinic. \”Home has never felt so good,\” Faldo shared, who will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his last Green Jacket at the 90th Masters next April.
Tiger Woods’ 50th Birthday Celebration Highlights
Documenting the event: Here are some highlights from the gala celebrating Tiger Woods’ 50th birthday hosted by the TGR Foundation at The Breakers Palm Beach hotel in Florida. Jon Bon Jovi performed for the GOAT, and Arthur Blank, owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, TGL team Atlanta GC, and investor in Woods-McIlroy-McCarley’s TMRW