Why Vijay is Vijay: Singh is least understood just when his game demands that we should know him better

Golf Digest, Jan, 2004 by Jaime Diaz

It's also becoming clear that Singh has emerged as the player stalking Tiger Woods with the most effective combination of game and pure conviction. It's apparent in the assertive way Singh went after the money title: his two-a-day workouts, six days a week that have transformed his limber 6-feet-2 frame into a leaner and increasingly efficient golf machine, the sure and steady progress in his once-mediocre putting, and the bravado-free defiance with which he meets Woods' stony countenance, which if not prudent is at least admirable.

Their increasingly cool relationship is also the stuff of classic rivalry. It began in earnest at the 2000 Presidents Cup, when Singh's caddie at the time wore a cap inscribed "Tiger Who?" before their strained singles match, which Woods won, 2 and 1. Last October, when the two were paired in the final round of the American Express Championship, which Woods also won, the following exchange on the first tee was the extent of their conversation. Woods: "Good luck." Singh: "Titleist 2."

Singh had also annoyed Woods by contending that Woods could have done more to help Fuzzy Zoeller after Zoeller's insensitive comments at the 1997 Masters. ("Fuzzy didn't just get screwed," Singh said, "he really got screwed.") Then Singh added this after his victory in January at Phoenix: "Tiger has had a great run, but everything comes to some sort of stop sooner or later."

Conversely, Singh didn't like hearing rumors that Woods suspected him of using a driver with an over-the-limit springlike effect, or Woods' reaction to Singh's comments about Sorenstam: "I wish Vijay hadn't said that." It also must rankle Singh that he has consistently had trouble producing his best golf against Woods head to head. In 2001 Singh conceded, "I don't think I've played to my potential against him," and though Singh has won seven events with Woods in the field, he still hasn't.

As different as these two may come off to the public, Singh shares more personal and competitive qualities with Woods than any other aspirant to the throne. Singh is the one player near the top who can match Woods for dedication, and despite the setbacks Woods has dealt him, he just keeps coming. "I think everyone has to admire Vijay for playing and practicing as hard as he does and not breaking down," Woods says. "He'll be on the range hour after hour after hour, and then go work out. It's amazing. I know I couldn't do it." Woods may not like Singh personally, but the mutual silence during their mano a manos shows they speak the same language.

"Tiger's performance and presence has done some crazy things to the other superstars of this era," says Brandel Chamblee, "but it hasn't done it to Vijay. He really thinks he can beat Tiger."

But as Singh has risen as a player, his public image after the Sorenstam episode has taken a beating. Though he can give the appearance of an imperious lone wolf during his marathon sessions on the practice range, Singh circulates easily among his fellow players, wielding a playful needle that is often followed by a wicked giggle. Every year at the Players Championship he throws a well-attended party at his beachfront home, where he lives with his wife, Ardena; son, Qass, age 13; and six German shepherds.