Vijay Singh to Miss First Masters Tournament in 31 years

From Coconuts to Green Jackets

Singh has notoriously claimed that, growing up in Fiji, his family could not afford golf. He honed his skills in his youth by playing with coconuts and did not lack controversy during his career. 

Singh was banned by the Asian Tour after the discovery that he altered his scorecard to make the cut of an event in 1986. He later turned to the European Tour and eventually gained his PGA Tour card in 1993. Singh would go on to win the PGA Championship in 1998 and the Masters in 2000, along with a repeat victory at the 2004 PGA Championship.  

Singh is most memorable for ending Tiger Woods' consecutive weeks at No. 1 streak after 264 weeks in 2004.

On Tap At The Tee

Though he may not be favored in all circles, Vijay Singh has had a historic career and represents the ultimate test of perseverance. Singh did not win on Tour until he was 30 and did not secure a major title until he was nearly 40. The Masters embodies respect and history, and Singh is a true stalwart of the game.

It is unfortunate that in the year we say goodbye to Bernhard Langer, we also miss out on Vijay Singh's presence. He is the ultimate definition of doing what it takes to win, transforming from coconuts to the green jacket. Until next year, we must wait for the return of the Fijian. For some, this is the first time they haven't seen him at Augusta in their lifetime.