Vijay Singh: Justified in Playing in Korn Ferry Event or Not?

Vijay Singh is among the players expected to play in the Korn Ferry Challenge at TPC Sawgrass. Is it right for the veteran to do so?

Vijay Singh is facing some backlash for having entered his name in the Korn Ferry Challenge at TPC Sawgrass. After the list of players expected to participate was released, and Singh’s name was included, there were significant rumblings from regulars on the KFT.

Specifically, Brady Schnell called Singh out on Twitter. Schnell wrote “Hey @VijaySinghGolf you are a true piece of trash if you except (sic) money playing in a Korn Ferry Tour event and I’ll say it right to your face.”

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The way Schnell sees it, as he would add later “Do you know how much those points and money could do for a young kid? He’s a complete turd for playing. He’s got his money and he’s got his career. Just wait another month and roll with your senior friends.”

Singh, of course, is a World Golf Hall of Famer who has won 34 times on the PGA Tour, including three majors. He ranks fourth on the PGA Tour career money list with more than $71 million in earnings.

So, does Singh have a right to play? Does Schnell have a point?

Actually, both could be seen as correct. Singh has every right to play on the KFT if he wants. He’s more than qualified and has the right to enter an event if he wants.

Even Phil Mickelson, who has not always seen eye-to-eye with Singh, said that Vijay could enter if he wanted. “It’s no secret VJ and I aren’t close, but I’d like to say on his behalf that in addition to being a member of the HofF, he’s a big part of the PGA Tour’s success which financially subsidizes, and always has, the KFT. He has earned the right to play when and where he wants.”

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On the flip side, Schnell makes a good point. While Singh has the right to play on the KFT, should he? Again, the 57-year-old Singh has made over $71 million on tour. The players on the KFT are fighting for their livelihoods and trying to make the jump to the big tour. So should Singh take a spot that would mean much more to a younger player or a journeyman?

While Singh has every right to play on the KFT, it’s not a good look for the veteran. He should give up his spot and find another place to play. But Singh has never been one to cave to pressure, so don’t be surprised to see him teeing it up in this event.

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