Vijay Singh’s name is etched in the annals of golf history, thanks to his impressive win at the 2000 Masters Tournament. The Fijian golfing legend’s clutch performance on the iconic Augusta National course earned him the coveted green jacket, solidifying his place among the sport’s all-time greats. However, Singh’s journey at the Masters hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2020, he was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to illness, after completing just 10 holes in the second round.

Fast forward to 2025, and Singh is once again facing a setback at the Masters. Unfortunately, the legendary golfer has been forced to withdraw from the tournament, this time due to an injury, per NUCLR Golf. The details of the injury have not been made public yet. The news comes as a disappointment to fans and fellow golfers alike, who were eagerly awaiting his return to the iconic course.

At 62, Singh has continued to defy expectations, with his most recent performance being a respectable tied 58th place last year – his best showing since 2018. However, this year’s tournament will see him absent, joining a list of 16 other former champions, including Tiger Woods, who will also not be competing in the 89th Masters.

Singh’s withdrawal from the tournament just days before round 1 is a bummer for more reasons than one, as patrons were very excited to see the golfer play in the course that he suggested needed a makeover.

Vijay Singh believes the legendary par-3 needs a boost

In 2024, Vijay Singh, the 2000 Masters champion, spoke out about his concerns regarding the iconic par-3 12th hole at Augusta National. “We used to hit 7-irons and 6-irons and then it started going to 7-irons and 8-irons and it’s gone from 8-irons to 9-irons and the guys are hitting wedges now,” Singh said, highlighting the evolution of golf technology and player skill. He believes the hole should be lengthened by at least 10 yards, to around 170 yards, to restore its challenge and make it a more demanding test of skill. “I think it would be a much more challenging hole if people were hitting a 6-iron or a 7-iron instead of a 9-iron or wedge,” Singh added.

However, not everyone shares Singh’s opinion. Masters participants Luke List and Keegan Bradley have expressed their disagreement, with List calling it a “bad idea” and Bradley labeling the hole “perfect” as it is. They argue that the short par-3’s unique challenges, including the unpredictable wind and tricky pin positions, make it an exciting and iconic part of the Masters.  But now with Singh out of the lineup, fans will have to wait one more year for the veteran to prove his theory as he tries to convince the golf world of the changes he wants. What are your thoughts on the golfer’s abrupt exit? Let us know in the comment section below!