Fiji’s Singh could become PGA’s oldest champion at 56

MIAMI: Fiji’s Vijay Singh moved into contention to become the oldest champion in US PGA Tour history by firing a five-under 65 in Saturday’s third round of the Honda Classic.

The 56-year-old former world number one made six birdies against a lone bogey to stand on six-under 204 after 54 holes at PGA National to share second place, one stroke behind US leader Wyndham Clark.

“I played really well,” Singh said. “I played like I know how. I just let it go and the swing was a lot more freer. If I did what I did today, this is how I used to play. I don’t know what I found, but I’m going to see if it’s still there tomorrow.”

Three-time major champion Singh, who turned 56 on February 22, would shatter the US PGA oldest winner mark set by Sam Snead when he captured the 1965 Greater Greensboro Open at 52 years, 10 months, 8 days.

“I’m physically quite capable of doing it,” Singh said. “Mentally, I’m going to go out there and see how my mind works. If I just don’t let anything interfere, I think I can do it.”

Only six other players have won PGA events in their 50s, the most recent of those being Davis Love in 2015 at Greensboro.

Singh owns 34 US PGA titles but has not won one since September 2008 at the Deutsche Bank Championship on his way to capturing the US playoff crown.

Singh, now ranked 938th in the world, has enjoyed success on the 50-and-over PGA Champions circuit, taking three titles last year.

“Playing the Champions Tour, you’ve got to make a lot of birdies. It’s all about making a lot of putts,” Singh said. “That brings, I guess, aggression out of you and you go out there and you know you have to make birdies.” - AFP