Vijay Singh, an Indo-Fijian golfer born in 1963, transformed from a local professional on the Asia Golf Circuit into a major championship winner and world number one. His path through the Safari Circuit and European Tour eventually culminated in a dominant 2004 season, where he secured nine PGA Tour victories and solidified his place in the sport’s history.
Early Career and Asian Circuit
Born in Lautoka, Fiji, Singh grew up in Nadi where his father, Mohan Singh, taught him the game. He began his professional career in 1982, competing on the Asia Golf Circuit. In 1984, he recorded a win at the Malaysian PGA Championship. However, his tenure on the Asian circuit ended in 1985 following allegations of scorecard manipulation, which resulted in a lifetime ban from the tour. He spent subsequent years working at clubs in Malaysia before seeking opportunities abroad.
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Seeking to rebuild his career, Singh traveled to Africa in 1988 to join the Safari Circuit, an offshoot of the European Tour. His success at the 1988 Nigerian Open provided the momentum needed to join the European Tour, where he became a consistent presence. In 1989, he claimed four titles including the Volvo Open Championship in Italy, the Ivory Coast Open, and the Zimbabwe Open. By the early 1990s, he had established himself as a regular winner on both European and African circuits.
PGA Tour Success
Singh earned his PGA Tour card by winning the 1993 Buick Classic, an achievement that earned him the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award. He won his first major championship at the 1998 PGA Championship in Washington and secured his second major at the 2000 Masters by defeating Ernie Els. By 2003, he led the PGA Tour in money earned with $7,573,907, winning four tournaments throughout that season.
The 2004 Season
The 2004 season proved to be his most prolific, as he recorded nine victories including his third major title at the PGA Championship. During this period, he surpassed Tiger Woods as the leading golfer globally. His performance at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and subsequent victories demonstrated a level of consistency that placed him within reach of all-time tour records.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Lautoka, Fiji
- Professional debut: 1982
- Major Championship wins: 3
- 2004 PGA Tour wins: 9
- Education: Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science
- Awards: World Golf Hall of Fame, Fiji Sports Hall of Fame
- Honours: Companion of the Order of Fiji, general division (2004)
Questions readers ask
What was the result of Singh's controversy in the 1985 Asian Golf Circuit?
He was accused of doctoring his scorecard to make the cut, which led to a lifetime ban from the tour.
How many times did Vijay Singh win the PGA Championship?
He won the PGA Championship twice, first in 1998 and again in 2004.
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