Vijay Singh’s Historic Performance at the 2026 Sony Open in Hawaii
In the opening PGA Tour event of the 2026 season, the Sony Open in Hawaii, golf icon Vijay Singh surprised the golf world with an inspiring performance that resonated far beyond the scoreboard. At 62 years old, Singh not only made the cut in the prestigious tournament but did so in a manner that brought him within striking distance of a unique record previously held by another golfing great, Fred Couples. Singh’s journey this week has been a testament to both longevity and competitive spirit — qualities that defined his illustrious career and continue to influence the sport today.
Singh’s path back into a full-field PGA Tour event began with a strategic decision to use a one-time career money exemption, a special eligibility provision that allows top money-earners to regain full status for a season. Having spent years primarily competing on the PGA Tour Champions circuit — where he has remained a prominent figure — this exemption presented Singh with an opportunity few golfers his age ever receive. He embraced it, teeing up in the Sony Open with a goal that seemed equally bold and nostalgic: to compete alongside the next generation of golf’s elite.
From the outset, Singh played with a renewed sense of purpose. In the first round at Waialae Country Club, he carded a two-under-par 68, demonstrating that he still possessed the shot-making ability that helped him win 34 times on the PGA Tour and secure three major championships over his career. That opening performance stood out not just for the score but for the confidence and composure with which it was delivered.
In the second round, Singh followed with an even-par 70. While these two rounds might seem modest in isolation, the context makes them remarkable. The Sony Open field is filled with top talent, including many players in their physical and professional prime. For Singh, holding his own and finishing two shots below par through 36 holes was enough to secure his place past the halfway cut line — and to cement his status as one of the oldest players ever to do so in a full-field PGA Tour event.
This accomplishment carried historical weight. With this made cut, Singh became the oldest golfer to make a PGA Tour cut since Fred Couples, who achieved the feat at age 63 during the 2023 Masters Tournament. While Jay Haas holds the all-time record for oldest to make a cut in a PGA Tour event due to a team format performance, Singh’s achievement in a standard individual competition is extraordinary and rare. It brings him into a select company of veteran players still capable of competing at an elite level against younger contenders.
A Career Revisited and Rekindled
Vijay Singh’s career has been nothing short of legendary. Born in Fiji and rising through the ranks with a relentless work ethic, Singh’s journey took him to the highest echelons of professional golf. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he was one of the dominant forces on the PGA Tour, earning multiple major titles and establishing himself as one of the most feared competitors on tour.
Over time, Singh transitioned to the senior circuit, where he continued to compete with distinction. Yet his decision to return to full-field events, especially at his age, was both a personal challenge and a nod to the enduring love he has for the game. Success at the Sony Open marks not just a competitive milestone but a story of perseverance and passion — qualities that inspire both fans and fellow players alike.
The conditions at Waialae Country Club added another layer of drama to Singh’s performance. The course has a reputation for difficult conditions where firm greens and swirling winds can test even the most skilled golfers. Singh’s ability to navigate these intricacies with steady golf underlines his seasoned experience and strategic acumen, qualities that have defined his career for decades.
Singh’s cut line achievement also stands out when considering the broader narrative of professional golf. Across the PGA Tour, the average age of players making cuts and contending week-to-week features a much younger demographic. For Singh to not only compete but succeed and set records against this backdrop shines a spotlight on his extraordinary talent and commitment.
Comparing Legends: Singh and Couples
Fred Couples is another iconic figure in golf whose name has become synonymous with longevity and excellence. Known for his smooth swing and calm demeanor under pressure, Couples has long been a fan favorite and a respected competitor among his peers. His record as the oldest player to make a cut on the PGA Tour was a benchmark for golfers extending their competitive careers into their 60s.
That Singh has edged closer to this unique record speaks volumes about his enduring abilities. While Couples achieved his feat in a major championship — the Masters — Singh’s accomplishment at the Sony Open carries its own significance in the context of regular PGA Tour competition. It illustrates the rare occurrences where experience and skill intersect to challenge age norms within professional sport.
It is worth noting that records in golf are often celebrated not just for the numbers they represent but for the stories behind them. Singh’s journey from a dominant PGA Tour career to the senior circuit and now back into the heart of competitive tour events adds narrative depth to his accomplishments. Each stroke he played this week resonated with a legacy built over decades — one that includes triumphs, setbacks, reinventions, and unwavering dedication.
What’s Next for Singh at the Sony Open
As the Sony Open progressed into the weekend, Singh’s focus remained on competing with integrity and skill. With rounds of 68 and 70 keeping him two shots under par, he advanced into the third round among a competitive leaderboard. Leaders such as Davis Riley, Nick Taylor and other standout PGA Tour names shared the top position, while Singh stayed within striking range, ready to capitalize on any opportunity.
Singh’s presence on the weekend also captured the attention of fans and media alike. Golf enthusiasts celebrated the spectacle of a seasoned veteran standing shoulder-to-shoulder with rising stars and established tour pros. Whether Singh would ultimately contend for the title or simply play out the weekend with the same poise that brought him here, his performance up to the cut was already a story worth telling.
The narrative this week is more than just about a record. It’s about resilience, passion, and the timeless nature of true sporting talent. Vijay Singh’s journey at the 2026 Sony Open did not merely add another chapter to his career résumé — it reminded the world why he remains one of golf’s most captivating figures.
Legacy and Impact
At age 62, Vijay Singh continues to redefine what it means to compete at the highest levels of professional golf. His performance at the 2026 Sony Open in Hawaii serves as a powerful reminder that age, while a factor, does not have to be a barrier to achievement. Instead, Singh’s success highlights how experience, discipline and love for the game can drive remarkable outcomes.
Whether Singh ultimately surpasses Fred Couples’ achievement remains part of the unfolding story. What is certain, however, is that the golf world watched with admiration as this legendary player rose to the challenge and made history once again.