He’s a three-time major champion, a former World No. 1, and golf Hall of Famer, and now Vijay Singh is turning his attentions to course design.
Singh has co-designed the Valley Course at the Els Club Malaysia on the Desaru Coast with his good friend Ernie Els, a course he can envisage becoming a tour destination in years to come.
Of course, his Masters win in 2000 means he has an invite to the Augusta showpiece for life, so NCG caught up with the Fijian ahead of his 24th Masters appearance…
What is your proudest moment in golf?
Winning the Masters in 2000.
What is the best shot you’ve hit at Augusta?
During a [practice round] contest at the Masters in 2009, I skipped my ball over the water and into the 16th hole for a hole-in-one.
What is the best shot you have ever hit anywhere?
My birdie on the 17th hole during the play-off at Whistling Straights at the 2004 PGA Championship, which I won.
What is the worst shot you have hit in tournament play?
There are too many to count.
If you could go back and hit one shot again, which would it be?
My tee shot on the 14th hole at TPC Sawgrass in 2001 that went into the water resulting in a triple bogey. I was leading the tournament and ended up losing by one.
If you could have won one of the other majors, which would you choose?
The Open.
Who is the best player on tour right now?
Dustin Johnson
Who’s joining you in your dream fourball?
My father, my brother, and my son.
Favourite hole in the world?
The eighth at Pebble Beach.
If you and Ernie Els played head-to-head tomorrow, who would win?
Me.
What is the biggest difference between the Champions Tour and the PGA Tour?
The length of the courses.
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Who is the best player you’ve ever played with?
Tiger Woods.
Best round of golf you’ve ever played?
The third round at the 2000 Masters.
Favourite swing of all time?
Ben Hogan.
Worst piece of advice you have been given? Best piece?
I’ve heard too many bad pieces of advice to remember. The best piece of advice is to maintain a good rhythm in golf.
If you could give a golfer one tip what would it be?
Hit the ball with 80% power.
Vijay Singh was speaking ahead of the grand opening of the Valley Course at the Els Club Malaysia on the Desaru Coast.
For all the build-up ahead of the 2017 Masters, head to NCG’s specialist site.
