Vijay Singh: Fijian Golfer Profile, Biography, Career Stats

“Golf is about knowledge, and studying another player – more than listening to a teacher – is the best way to get it.” – Vijay Singh

Vijay Singh also known as “The Big Fijian” is a renowned name in golfing world from Fiji Island. He is one of the most successful and popular Asian players of all time who achieved great success on PGA Tour, winning three Major Championships (2003, 2004 and 2008) and FedEx Cup in 2008. 

His meteoric rise started after making a professional debut in 1982. Singh was Number 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking for 32 weeks in 2004 and 2005.  In 2006, he was elected for the World Golf Hall of Fame.

I. Early Life of Vijay Singh

Vijay Singh, who was born on February 22nd, 1963 in Lautoka, Fiji, discovered a passion for golf at an early age. Growing up in the country’s second-largest city, Singh lived near an airport that housed an 18-hole golf course. 

It was where his father Mohan Singh worked as an airplane technician. With his father as a mentor, Singh developed a deep love for golf and spent countless hours perfecting his technique at the nearby Airport Country Club. 

As a child living in Fiji where access to golf equipment was limited. His Father used to say –

“My father used to say, ‘Little Vijay, golf balls don’t fall off trees you know,’ so I found some that did!”  – Vijay Singh

Vijay Singh creatively utilized coconuts as makeshift golf balls to hone his skills. Singh practiced his daily sessions with his brother Krishna, who also played as a professional golfer. 

Drawing inspiration from Tom Weiskopf, one of the greatest golfers of his era, Singh aspired to reach similar heights in the sport.

II. Amateur Career

By the time he turned 17, Singh had established himself as one of Fiji’s top players. Inspired by his performance at the World Amateur Team Championship held at Pinehurst, he made the decision to pursue a career as a professional golfer.

III. Professional Career 

Asia Golf Circuit 

During the initial stages of his professional career, Vijay Singh faced adversity when he received a lifetime ban from the Asia Golf Circuit due to allegations of manipulating his scorecard during tournament play in 1985. 

These accusations claimed that Singh tampered with his scores, altering them in such a manner that allowed him to meet the cutline. Although Singh maintained his innocence, claiming that even if the allegations were true, it would only result in disqualification, not a complete banishment from the tour. 

Nonetheless, the incident hurt his reputation and forced him to take on low-profile positions at the Keningau Club in Malaysia and the Miri Golf Club in Sarawak. Despite this setback, Singh persevered, using these opportunities to continue developing his craft and refining his abilities on the green. 

European Tour 

In the late 1980s, Vijay Singh experienced a career revival thanks to financial support from Red Baron, an African safari circuit, and the European Tour qualifying school. After winning the Nigerian Open in 1988, Singh went on to win his first European Tour title at the 1989 Volvo Open Championships in Italy. 

This victory signaled his return to prominence and established him among Europe’s elite players. Overall, Singh won four tournaments in 1989, along with victories in 1990 and 1992. He also competed successfully in various events throughout Asia and Africa during this period.

IV. Vijay Singh Vs. Tiger Woods

Vijay Singh achieved significant professional milestones, particularly during his era that overlapped with Tiger Woods’. Notably, Singh reached the pinnacle of the game by becoming the 12th player to hold the world no.1 ranking on September 6th, 2004.

Sept. 6, 2004: Vijay Singh ends Tiger Woods’ streak of 264 weeks as world No. 1 when he wins the @DBChampionship. pic.twitter.com/1UAnehWJXj

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) September 6, 2015

He displaced Woods from the number one spot who enjoyed an extended run of nearly 300 weeks atop the rankings. The rivalry continued to escalate between the duo, resulting in six exchanges of the number one position between 2004 and 2005. 

At the end of it all, Singh remained the dominant force, maintaining the top slot for a total of 32 weeks across those two seasons (2004 -2005).

“Golf is a passion that will stay with me forever. That’s all I know.” – Vijay Singh

V. Major Achievements of Vijay Singh 

Overall, Vijay Singh has accumulated four victories on the PGA Tour Champions, one of which is a major victory at the 2018 Constellation Senior Players Championship. 

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Additionally, he earned a Top 10 finish in his very first appearance on the tour at the 2013 Pacific Links Hawai‘i Championship. Throughout the 2021 season, he successfully converted several strong showings into noteworthy results on the senior tour.

Notably, he holds several records including the most 

• PGA Tour wins (34 titles), 
• FedExCup season points leader (2008), 
• Player of the Year honors (2004), 
• Players Championship victories (2).

Listed below is a compilation of his remarkable feats organized by major championship categories:

VI. Awards and Recognitions 

Here’s a list of notable awards and recognitions earned by Vijay Singh over the course of his illustrious golfing career:

Amateur

• Eisenhower Trophy (representing Fiji): 1980

Professional

• Presidents Cup (International Team): 1994, 1996, 1998 (winners), 2000, 2003 (tie), 2005, 2007, 2009
• World Cup (representing Fiji): 2001, 2002, 2013
• Alfred Dunhill Challenge (representing Australasia): 1995

VII. Personal Life of Vijay Singh 

While Vijay Singh went through various challenges on his journey to becoming one of the greatest golfers in history, there was someone who stood by his side throughout it all – his wife Ardena Seth who is from malaysia. 

They got married way back in 1985 before Singh hit superstardom on the course. Together, they are parents to their only child, Qass Seth, who was born in 1990.

Recently, Vijay Singh and his son, Qass, won the 2022 PNC Championship in Orlando after two rounds of 59. The Singhs became the first pair to shoot below 60 in both rounds, as they claimed a two shot victory.

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VIII. Vijay Singh’s Residencial Status

After rising to fame as a professional golfer, Vijay purchased residences in Ponte Vedra Beach near the PGA Tour headquarters. He has proven to be quite the aficionado of luxurious living. Adding to his collection in 2009, Singh acquired a lavish condo in Lincoln Square, New York neighborhood for a striking price tag of $5.675 million. 

This remarkable 4-bedroom abode, covering an expansive 3,369 sq ft area, flaunts an array of upscale furnishings and facilities such as a wooden fireplace and a colossal terrace offering breathtaking vistas across the urban landscape.

IX. Vijay Singh’s Cars

Golf legend Vijay Singh knows how to live the good life off the green, which is evidenced by his exceptional car collection housed in his garage. 

One glance inside reveals three distinct vehicles: a BMW X5 M Sport, a BMW X6, and lastly but certainly not least, a Rolls-Royce Ghost. Each automobile epitomizes excellence, perfectly complementing Mr. Singh’s refined taste while providing him with the ultimate driving experience.

X. Vijay Singh’s Salary 

According to available reports, Vijay Singh’s average annual salary as a professional golfer on the PGA Tour hovers around $2.3 million. Throughout his career, he has earned approximately $68 million from participating in PGA Tour golf. His highest earnings in a single year were recorded between 2003 and 2004 when he made $10 million.

XI. Vijay Singh’s Net Worth in 2023

As reported, the estimated net worth of well-known Fijian golfer Vijay Singh stands at approximately 75 million USD in early 2023. Having accumulated most of his riches via winning competitions on the PGA Tour, with a total of 34 triumphs under his belt. 

Singh also benefits from several endorsements that add millions to his fortune. Alongside this financial success, Singh keeps busy with entrepreneurial endeavours that contribute to his ever-growing wealth.

XII. Controversy Over Deer Antler Spray

In January 2013, as reported in news that Vijay Singh admitted using deer antler spray, which contained IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), a substance banned by the PGA Tour. The use of this product sparked widespread debate and discussions about performance enhancing drugs in professional sports. 

Following an investigation by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and a lawsuit filed against the PGA Tour, it was later determined that the use of the product would not result in sanctions against the player. However, the incident drew significant public scrutiny and raised questions about the prevalence of performance enhancement practices in golf.

XIII. Vijay Singh Foundation – Charitable Causes

Vijay Singh displays is passionate towards supporting charitable endeavors. In 1999, he held the position of Honorary Chairperson for the National Golf Day event organized annually by the PGA of America. That aimed at raising funds for youth golf development. 

Singh further initiated the Vijay Singh Charitable Foundation, concentrating on assisting individuals suffering from domestic violence, especially women and minors. His unwavering devotion to addressing societal issues through charity stands as a commendable personal attribute. The Betty Griffin House of St John’s County, Fla. (Safety Shelter of St. John’s County), was one of the first beneficiaries of the foundation.

XIV. Some interesting facts about Vijay Singh 

Here are some lesser-known facts about Vijay Singh that might be interesting:

• Vijay is derived from the Hindi word for “Victory” and represents the Fijian golfer’s ties to India through lineage.
• The Masters Champions Dinner hosted by Singh received praise for its delicious Thai inspired menu prepared with assistance from friends and relatives
• Singh held the number one position on the PGA tour money rankings continuously between 1998 until 2008, surpassing other contenders.
• Honored with PGA player of the year award following a successful season boasting multiple wins.
• Elected to join the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006 due to accomplishments during golfing career spanning various global locations such as Malaysia, France etc.
• Unable to match previous performances subsequent to undergoing knee surgical treatment and dropping down the ranking ladder.
• Joining the senior circuit, Singh gained success participating in events like the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf competition, amongst others.
• Singh is included among the exclusive company of four golfers present at every edition of The Masters over the past twenty years.