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2004 comments on Vijay Singh

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A regular at Nadi Airport golf club writes:
"First of all...Vijay I am proud of your sucess this year. You have shown that you are the best in golf. I don't know much about golf but I would like to ask Vijay (if he reads this) "what does he plan to do for golf in Fiji (Nadi Airport golf club) when he visits Fiji in Jan 2005.

There are so many good amatuer golfers at Nadi Airport who face the same dilemma that he (Vijay) faced when he was young. I will not mention names but it's for Vijay to find out only if he is interested.

Anyway Vijay, I'm proud of you.and only hope that you do something for golf in Fiji."

M Dave from Fairfax County (VA) says:
"Congrats Vijay for the PGA Player of the Year Award! I guess this is something you valued the most. As I had once mentioned earlier in this column, irrespective of the attention that you get (or do not get) from the media, we will expect more of the same from you next year. All the best for 2005."

Lisbeth Dybkjaer, from Copenhagen, Denmark writes:
"Have noted Vijay's efforts for many, many years, never far from the top flight, nice now to witness so much success. Otherwise not much of a golfer, more a racer, human or equine feet. Best greetings from a Dane (Bjorn's home country)"

Another member of the Nadi Airport golf club community says:
"Vijay has proven to the world that if you have willingness, trust and dedication in life towards your goal then you will suceed. But there is one more thing that I would like to share with fellow Vijay Singh fans who would not know about this fact:....at Nadi Airport golf club where Vijay played his childhood...NAGC looks like a house and in front of the clubhouse there is a drain that runs sideways....this drain is only about 4 inches wide........and I was told by the former barman (Gila Prasad) that Vijay Singh used to swing continously (10-12 swings) and make full swings through the drain without even letting the club face touch either part of the drain...that's how perfect his swing was and I can confidently say that it would take a genius to do that.....I have tried it and was only sucessful twice.....I look up to Vijay and hope to meet him because I heard in the local news that he is coming to Fiji next year."

A visitor writes:
"You are the best Vijay...practice makes perfect and that is what you are. Keep it up and come home soon because I am waiting for you. I may be nothing to you but you mean a lot to me because you are a role model and will always be. I am also from Nadi Airport golf club and this year I won the club championship in the A grade. Same as you back in 1981. Keep it up."

A visitor says:
"First of all...congrats to Vijay for becoming the no 1.........I am from Fiji and also play golf at Nadi Airport golf club. Vijay is a star in Fiji, especially at Nadi Airport golf club; everyday my friends and I talk about him when we are playing. He is coming to Fiji next year and it's going to be a dream come true to see him with my eyes. Vijay won the a grade club championship and Nadi Open in 1980 and 1981 when he was in Fiji. Today he is winning everything in the world. Come home Vijay because people are waiting for you, especially jnrs like us."

Sarwan from Australia writes:
"Vijay you are the best golfer in the world. It is a pity that the media is so biased. Forget about them mate and show the world what a Fijian can do without so much favoritism from the media."

Vijay (but not THAT one) says:
"Well I am Indian and I am really proud of Vijay, not because he is of Indian origin but because after reading so much about the media bias against him and the way he made it to the top by his sheer hard work...well it is INSPIRATIONAL for every teenager, irrespective of his field..."

A Vijay Singh and John Daly fan writes:
"Biased American Media and TV networks: I am trying to gain an understanding into the primary reason(s) on why their coverage and exposure is so biased. They seem to have a need to create "gods" and then force their images on every viewer (or reader) via extensive coverage even when another person such as Vijay Singh is at the top of their game. One almost feels sorry for them when (say) Vijay Singh is leading the tournament in the final two days and they are desperately praying for miracles, hoping Tiger can win even if he is down by several shots (the most laughable example of this was in a recent tournament in Detroit when, in the final round, Singh and Daly were three and two shots ahead of Tiger on the 17th hole and the announcers kept saying that Tiger still had a chance to win). Anyway, I will appreciate if you can share your knowledge on this media behavior."

(Editor's note: The ratings go up when Tiger is in contention. The networks know this and respond appropriately, at the expense of those whose performances may be more deserving of coverage on the day. The reality of life with a commercial medium unfortunately.)

Just an old guy from Pennsylvania says:
"I'm not a Vijay Singh fan, but I do respect the way he works at his game. He deserves to be NUMBER ONE. I think that a lot of people just believe that he plays in too many tournaments and thinks he is just out to win as much money as he can and not out to enjoy the game of golf. Having said that, I still want to congratulate him on an outstanding season and climb to the top MAN on the PGA."

Raj writes:
"I am a citizen of the Fiji Islands and am pround that Vijay Singh is the world's number one golfer. Thank you Vijay for your hard work and effort."

Ron F. from Montreal says:
"I'm much older than Vijay but he is my hero (I hope we never get too old for heroes). I watch every tournament - something to look forward to as the week goes on.

Many years ago I rooted for a young boxer named Larry Holmes - I just thought he was good, an exceptional talent - and he was quiet and showed great class - Vijay is that way. Keep it going Vijay - you have many, many fans. Keep being number 1 in the world -and keep smiling that big smile. You have already achieved some measure of legend - don't let up - 10 years from now when you look back on your record - I would guess you'll be on a very short list of of the best there ever was."

S Murali writes:
"Vijay the great player, great person as well. I knew him when he was in Malaysia early 90s. We trained together with his brother Krishna Singh at Morib Golf Club beside the sea for two months. The beauty of him not only correcting my swing, at time he will ask me to check his putting stroke as well. It shows his great attitude. Is there any website for him?" (Editor's note: Not that I know of...)

Atul Hans from Vancouver BC says:
"I've been following VJ since 1993 when I learnt the sport. Since then I was always cheering for him. You make Fiji proud VJ. Wish you and your family the best of wishes. May your reign as number one player in the world last as long as you want to. You have many fans around the world that are proud of you."

The Club Captain at the Fiji Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia writes:
"VJ, you have done a great job getting to #1 in the world. Keep at it and all the very best."

Ranji says:
"I marvel at the success VS has booked. Knowing his background; the struggles he had in life; the poor oportunities; the horrible (or should I say poor ) media coverage and lots of other negativaties in his life...he still came out at the very top. He is a man among men. Even though I do not agree with him on some of his point of views, he still had the guts to say what others wanted to...but did not. Some people (lacking of a broad knowledge ) do not realize that the HINDU has a tremendous respect for the female gender. Check their religion (see how many of the LORDS were female ) - one of their presidents was female. ( Will it ever happen in the USA soon? )...TIGER is the best golfer in the world , but VIJAY is the top golfer in the world at least for the last two years. Thanks for your time."

Dave from Fairfax County (VA) writes:
"I have been following Vijay's progress for a while now and the reaction that he gets (or does not get). My take on that is simple - Vijay has worked hard (that's an understatement) on reaching the No.1 position. As he goes along (next 2-3 years) he will have to continue to work hard to win more tournaments - and when he does that he will keep getting the attention that is accorded to WINNERS. So where does that leave Tiger? Tiger will continue to get the attention without working hard, since even if he does not do well (WIN tournaments) he will still be in the news. I think Vijay understands this and does not care about it. What he cares is about winning and earning the respect of his peers (I read in one column how much he would like to win the Player of the Year award). In the end his PERSONAL satisfaction will be what is important to him, notwithstanding how much or how little the media writes about him."

Dave Ebmeyer from Michigan says:
"If anyone deserves to be the number 1 golfer in the world it's Vijay. I have followed his career closely for years and I think his work ethic is simply amazing. Vijay is my hero. We should all take notice and follow the example he sets, not only in golf, but in everyday life. Hard work does pay off, I have achieved goals in life that I have set and in some ways I give credit to Vijay even though I don't know him personally. Great golfer, true professional, truly an inspiration to me. Great job Vijay, congratulations on a great season, wish you the best and good luck!!!"

Richard Currie from Wollongong, NSW Australia writes:
"Congratulations on your win in the Canadian Open, your 7th win this season. It's been a privilege to see you playing so well other the past five to ten years. Well done on becoming the No.1 golfer. All the best to you for the rest of this year and the future. Take care, hope your knee gets better."

Satkunan Kandiah in England says:
"Great golfer - entirely self-possessed and dedicated to the sport he loves.Vijay is so inspirational to golfers like me. It is a pity more Asian countries do not use him as their golf ambassador. As a Malaysian and golfer, his and Tiger's names are the first that I look for in the sports reports above everyone else."

Maheep Singh from Melbourne, Australia writes in again:
"Congratulations to my golf hero Vijay Singh for achieving no.1 ranking in the world. In Melbourne Australia we have a social club "Fiji Golf Club Of Victoria". We did celebrate your win and hope you will hold no.1 ranking for a few years.You are my golf idol and when ever you don't make the cut or are not playing, I have no interest to watch golf no matter what tournment or major is being played. I hope to watch you play in Australia one day."

George Speight Singh writes:
"Fiji is proud of you Vijay. You have to come to Oceania Region to play so that we can see you and give you some"Roti & Suruwa- no dhal-bhaat). All the best and as they say in FIJI - 'darna nahi ,Munna'"

Anjana R K from Bangalore, India says:
"Congratulations to Vijay Singh on achieving the World no.1 title. You have proved that it's not the economy or population of a country that matters to be a world no.1 sportsman, but determination and a firm focus which is required to be on the top. Many sportsmen complain of what their country is not giving them - they must realise first they have to sort out what best they can give to their country and then expect returns. CONGRATS VIJAY AND AS AN INDIAN AM DAMN PROUD OF YOU."

Paul C. from Canada writes:
"You have been considered by me and many other golfers as number one in the world for the last year . CONGRATULATIONS VIJAY"

Maheep Singh from Melbourne, Australia says:
"I still remember Vijay hitting his driver at 1st hole at Nadi Airport Golf Club over the big mango tree. Hope he still remembers this. He was my classmate and our teacher told him Vijay you will be nothing in this world as he showed no interest in his studies. Hopefully the teacher is still alive to see his achivement. I can't understand why Vijay never comes and plays in Australia and I feel the media is very biased against Vijay as they hardly show him in their coverage. If Vijay has a website I have been looking for it. Vijay please come and play in Australia once so you can shut the mouth of aussies here who do nothing but pick on past and history."

Mac writes:
"Maybe not many can appreciate the enormity of his achievements in golf. From where he started, it's been a brilliant show of planning, strategy, hard work and sheer determination to be where he is today. I wish him well and that he finds every success in realising his golfing dreams."

David Lunn, Nassau, Bahamas writes:
"I would like to add my most sincere congratulations to Vijay on his victory at this year's PGA and would like to extend an invitation to him to visit the Bahamas whenever his busy schedule will allow him some R & R. He has a big fan club here."

Manu, Unni and Pappa, Oslo, Norway say after the PGA Championship:
"Great! Congratulations for battling his way into the top of Golf and staying there for almost a decade. Vijay proves that golf can be mastered by anyone, not just by the rich and famous and those belonging to USA or Europe. Congratulations!"

Grainger writes:
"I assume the reason he does not get good coverage in the press is because he was banned...for cheating early in his career (altering his card so he made the cut in a tournament). Sorry if this is negative, but it is factual and gold is a game which relies on honesty." (Editor's note: ...to be pedantic, the charge and a subsequent suspension are fact, but he still denies that he actually did cheat.)

Ramesh S.from Toronto says:
"American broadcasters need to hang their heads in shame for consistently refusing to accept that Vijay is the best golfer in the world. Their near exclusive focus on Americans is annoying and ignorant, and most of all, completely unprofessional. Why do they chose to describe one good shot on a hole that Tiger bogeys with more enthusiasm and excitement than an outright victory for Vijay, is beyond me.....

Vijay works extremely hard, is very cool under pressure, is winning like it's a bad habit and still I have heard no one say categorically that "Vijay is the best"....Believe me if Phil had done what Vijay has this year, they would be touting him for president!"

Rav writes:
"The name Vijay means victory.

I come from a town next to Vijay's hometown. Golf is a sport for the elite few in Fiji, however by looking at Vijay's success story, it gives me great motivation to overcome the obstacles in any aspect of life.

Vijay had once said, that he had started out to be world number one, and will not stop until he achieves. That just sums what a great individual he is and he will always remain a legend in my heart.

All the best Vijay!
Kabhi nahi darao!

P.S. I have also been looking for Vijay's Website, but haven't found one. I am half minded to start developing a fan-site as a tribute."

Larry from Atlanta says:
"Vijay continues to be overlooked by the press, the TV sports journalists, (Rosaforte, Wadkins, Strange et.al) and the general public. Vijay has played the best golf in the last two years, but all we continue to hear about is Tiger and Phil Mickelson.

What Vijay has overcome in his life to be ranked as one of best golfers in the world is amazing.

Tiger was given his just due, it's time to give Vijay his."

A visitor writes:
"To be honest, I never really thought that much of Vijay one way or another. I didn't agree with his Annika comments, but respected him for speaking his mind and being honest. After all, a lot of players were thinking the same thing.

Recently, however, I noticed a couple of things. At the Buick Classic, I watched him carry his own bag while his caddie raked a trap. This week he has been criticized for playing in the John Deere with the Open coming up next week. His response was that it is a matter of respect to defend your title.

He really is a real class act. I hope the media starts showing him in a better light."

Paul from Akron, Ohio says:
"In my view Mr. Singh is the most underrated player on tour. His swing is pure poetry in motion."

Ken Fitzsimmons from Stewartsville, NJ writes:
"I flew Vijay and his family from the airport near the Memorial Tournament, Dublin, Ohio in 1995 (after the final round) to participate in a private tournament to raise money for the Newark Boys & Girls Club.

Vijay played at the Sommerset Hills Country Club in Bernardsville, NJ. I walked the 18 holes with him, and at times he showed me ways to hit a SW and a LW. I was able to photograph the event as he broke a course record with a 61. My photos and his signed golf ball are at the club in a display. To my knowledge his record of 61 still stands.

He was a very friendly person as well as his wife Ardena. They both invited me to attend the US Open played at Shinnecock, Long Island, NY that year and furnished me with club passes and tickets for the 4 day event. It was a great pleasure to walk 2 rounds of the open with his wife and spend time with them after each event.

I was also invited to attend the British Open that year, but decided to join a private golf club, Harkers Hollow in NJ, rather than spend the money to go to St. Andrews. I kept in touch with them for a while, but they were kind enough to sign many photographs from that day in Bernardsville for Sommerset Hills CC and took the time to correspond with me. Two wonderful people. I am delighted to see Vijay doing so well! I hope to run into Vijay again, perhaps fly his private aircraft if he ever buys one."

Tyson says:
"I reckon Vijay is the man because he has done well and what about the 29 he had to win his second straight win and now he's ranked second in the world. Good on you Vijay - kia kaha bro."

BJ Miller asks:
"It is the trend now for golfers to have their own websites. I'm speaking here of the official site sanctioned by the player and through which the player communicates with the public, not the sites run by fans (although these are often as good or better than the official sites.) Tiger, Phil, Mike Weir all have their own sites. Does Vijay? I've searched but haven't found one."
Editor's note: Not that I'm aware of, but I'm keeping my eyes open

Sara Jane from Westerville, Ohio writes:
"My son and I were sitting at the 12th green Pro-Am day June 1, 2004 at Muirfield Village. We watched all of the golfers as they played this hole. It is interesting to note that Vijay Singh was the only Pro to offer putting suggestions to the amateurs. He appeared to be truly enjoying what likely is a not-so-enjoyable experience. Vijay was a standout among otherwise bored looking and/or self-absorbed pros. How refreshing."

Dennis says:
"Vijay...my buddy here in Houston told me to call you "easy money" during the Houston Open, while he was in the Humble Hospital strickin with cancer...You know who I am and you won the tournament...now he now has 2 weeks to live...and still says you will be number one for the rest of the year...please call or come see him....I gave him your autograph and he was excited.....His name is Stan Marshall and a phone call or a visit would just make his day...He is at the Humble Medical Center, TX...when I played him in golf he dedicated his crushing defeat over me to you...your call would make his day....please call or make a final visit to him....thanks..." (Editor's note: Dennis, I wouldn't count on Vijay reading this, so try the PGA Tour for faster contact.)

Krishal writes:
"I strongly believe he will soon become the new world number 1 if he continues to play more tournaments and keep working hard as he's always done. Also I think this moment will be the biggest mental challenge to him to play his natural game rather than put pressure on himself."

Mel Bartholomeo says:
"I agree with Kirpal Singh on his comments on Vijay Singh. Vijay as got a natural swing and he has worked very hard in his game. All the best Vijay! Hope to have a game with you one day..."

Kirpal Singh from Singapore writes:
"I have been a big fan of Vijay Singh from the time I picked up golf about 6 years ago. I am a Singh as well, having been born and brought up in Singapore. It naturally gives us all a sense of pride over Vijay's tenancity and perserverance over all the hurdles he has had to overcome in his life. I wish him continued success as he blazes through to leave an imprint on the lives of other struggling Asians, on and off the golf course. If he is ever in Singapore, I would be very honoured to meet up with him."