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What Phil Mickelson really thinks about Vijay Singh’s return to the PGA Tour

Originally posted on HITC | By Jordan Harris | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 8:24 AM ET

Vijay Singh’s choice to use a PGA Tour card for the 2026 season drew plenty of early criticism, but his play so far at the Sony Open in Hawaii is starting to change some minds.

The 62-year-old is tied for 32nd place at Waialae, with a pair of 68s bookending a second-round 70 to leave him four under par heading into Sunday.

Singh has been using a career money exemption this year, giving him access to most full-field events in what marks his return to the PGA Tour. While that decision was not universally popular at first, he looks more than capable of holding his own.

His performance in Hawaii suggests there is still plenty left in the tank. And it was a sign that age has not completely taken away from his skill set and shot-making ability.

Phil Mickelson shares thoughts on Vijay Singh’s Sony Open performance

Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

Phil Mickelson understands what it is like to be the oldest player in the field. The HyFlyers captain, who will turn 56 in June, holds that title on the LIV Golf circuit.

Mickelson had his share of battles with Singh during their PGA Tour days and did not hesitate to show his respect for the Fijian’s continued commitment to the sport.

“He’s an incredible talent and one of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever seen,” the 56-year-old wrote on X.

Vijay Singh shows he still belongs on the PGA Tour

Singh has quieted a lot of the criticism that followed his decision to accept a PGA Tour card for this season.

His last appearance in a regular PGA Tour event was back at the Honda Classic in 2021, so it was not exactly surprising that some questioned whether it made sense.

The 62-year-old has certainly earned the right to take up the chance presented by his career money exemption, much like Brooks Koepka did earlier this year under different circumstances.

But he is proving that he is far from being out of place. He even managed to make the cut where players like Collin Morikawa and Keegan Bradley did not.

Sitting four shots off a top-10 spot, it is unlikely he will close that gap given how many names are ahead of him. But just making his way through all 72 holes would be an impressive start to his season.

Even so, it would not be surprising if Singh finishes up without an over-par round all week.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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