If you’ve been watching the Sony Open in Hawaii this week, you probably noticed a familiar, rhythmic stride pacing the fairways that feels like a time capsule. It belongs to Vijay Singh. He’s 62, turning 63 in February, and he’s currently the oldest player on PGA Tour lineups for the 2026 season. It’s kinda wild when you think about it. Most guys his age are worried about their pickleball serve or finding the best early-bird dinner special, but "The Big Fijian" is still out there trying to out-grind kids who weren't even born when he won the Masters in 2000.
But how did a 62-year-old end up back on the main tour?
Honestly, it’s all about the fine print. Singh is using a one-time "Career Money" exemption. Basically, if you’re top 25 or top 50 in all-time earnings, the Tour gives you a "get out of jail free" card to keep your status for a year even if your game has technically slipped. Most legends use this when they’re 49 or 50 as a bridge to the Champions Tour. Singh? He saved his for 2026. He’s taking on Scottie Scheffler and the new guard with a back that’s seen better days and a work ethic that remains terrifying.
The Reality of Being the Oldest Player on PGA Tour
Let’s be real: professional golf is a young man’s game now. The average driving distance on Tour is hovering around 300 yards. In 2025, Singh averaged about 292 on the senior circuit. That’s plenty for most of us, but on the main Tour? That would have ranked him 164th. He’s basically giving up 20 to 30 yards on every tee box to guys like Christo Lamprecht.
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It’s not just about distance, though. It’s the recovery. Playing four days of tournament golf at 62 is a physical marathon. Singh has been open about his "balky back" and actually had to withdraw from the Masters recently because of it.
Why do they keep playing?
You’ve gotta wonder what drives someone to keep doing this. Is it the money? Singh has over $71 million in career earnings; he’s set. Is it the ego? Maybe a bit. But mostly, it’s the obsession. Singh is famous for being the last guy on the range every single night. Even now, he’s probably hitting balls into the dark. For these guys, the PGA Tour is home. The Champions Tour (the "senior" tour) is great, but it’s not the show.
There’s also the Matt Kuchar situation. Kuchar is 47, which makes him one of the "oldest" regulars without needing a special legend exemption. He finished 118th in the FedEx Cup last year, which—under the new 2026 rules—means he’s playing with conditional status. He actually chose not to use his career money exemption yet. He’s betting on himself to play his way back into the top 100. It’s a gutsy move for a guy nearing 50.
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Historical Context: The Legends Who Refused to Quit
Whenever we talk about the oldest player on PGA Tour, we have to mention Sam Snead. "Slammin' Sam" is the gold standard for longevity. In 1979, at the age of 67, he made the cut at the Westchester Classic. He even shot his age (67) and then beat it with a 66 in the same year. It’s a record that feels untouchable.
Then you have Jay Haas. In 2022, Haas technically broke the record for the oldest player to make a cut at 68 years old at the Zurich Classic. There’s a catch, though—it was a team event. He was playing with his son, Bill Haas. While the record books count it, purists usually point back to Snead because he did it solo.
Notable "Old Guy" Milestones:
- Tom Watson: Made the cut at the RBC Heritage at age 65.
- Jack Nicklaus: His final made cut came at 64 during his own tournament, The Memorial.
- Fred Funk: Made a cut at 64 at the Bermuda Championship in 2020.
- Phil Mickelson: Won the PGA Championship at 50, becoming the oldest major winner ever.
Can Singh Actually Compete in 2026?
It’s the question everyone is arguing about on golf Twitter. Some fans think it’s cool to see a legend back in the mix. Others, like analyst Brandel Chamblee, have been a bit more critical. The argument is that these exemptions take away spots from hungry 22-year-olds coming off the Korn Ferry Tour.
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If Singh makes a cut this year, he joins an incredibly elite club of 60-somethings who didn't just show up, but actually played the weekend. To do that, he’ll need his short game to be flawless. You can't out-drive these kids, so you have to out-think them. You have to "old man" them to death with pars and smart misses.
What This Means for Your Golf Game
Watching the oldest player on PGA Tour isn’t just for nostalgia; it’s a lesson in longevity. If Singh can still compete at 62 against the best in the world, there’s no reason we can't play well into our 70s.
The secret isn’t more speed. It’s flexibility and course management. Singh’s return proves that while power fades, skill is the last thing to go. If you’re looking to extend your own "playing career" at the local muni, take a page out of the veteran handbook:
- Stop chasing the 300-yard drive. Focus on the 100-yard wedge shot.
- Prioritize mobility. Singh spends hours on physical therapy and stretching.
- Know your limits. The reason these veterans survive is they don't try "hero shots" that their bodies can no longer pull off.
Whether Singh makes ten cuts or zero this year, his presence at the Sony Open and beyond is a reminder that golf doesn't have an expiration date.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to track how the veterans are faring this season, keep a close eye on the "FedEx Cup Fall" standings. That’s where the battle for status really heats up for players over 45. You can also check the official PGA Tour app under the "Exemptions" tab to see which other legends might use their one-time career money pass to return for a final victory lap.