Former Masters champion Vijay Singh has unfortunately withdrawn from the tournament due to an injury. The veteran golfer, known for his past rivalry with Tiger Woods, will not be participating in this week’s Augusta event.
Singh, who claimed the Masters title in 2000, will not be competing this year as confirmed by Augusta National Golf Club. The Fijian informed the competition committee of his withdrawal on Monday without disclosing the specifics of his injury. He now joins the list of 17 former champions who have opted out of this year’s Masters.
In 2000, Singh emerged victorious at the Masters by defeating Ernie Els with a three-stroke lead. He maintained a strong performance at Augusta between 2000 and 2006, securing top-eight finishes in six out of seven starts.
This year would have marked Singh’s 32nd appearance at the Masters, but his absence brings the player count down to 95 for the 89th edition of the prestigious golf championship. Last year, at the age of 61, Singh made the cut and finished tied for 58th place at 14-over, marking the first time since 1994 that he will not be part of the Masters field.
Following his T18 finish at a PGA Tour Champions event in Florida, Singh’s injury forced him to withdraw from Augusta. He joins other former champions like Woods, who is recovering from surgery after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
As the tournament approaches, fans are eager to see if Woods will attend Scottie Scheffler’s Champions Dinner, as he has not confirmed his plans yet. Additionally, 15 other past champions, including Sandy Lyle and Larry Mize, will not be competing this year.
However, veteran champion Bernhard Langer will return to the course after missing last year due to injury. This will be Langer’s 41st and final appearance at Augusta, adding to the anticipation of the event.
The tournament kicks off on Thursday, with Scheffler favored to defend his championship and secure his third Green Jacket. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy aims to complete a career grand slam, having shown strong form this year with wins at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players leading up to the Masters.