Vijay Singh Captures SAS Championship Following Mid-Tournament Caddie Change
At 63 years old, three-time major champion Vijay Singh secured his first victory in over three years at the SAS Championship, overcoming a mid-week caddie dismissal to finish at 9-under 207. Singh shot three consecutive rounds of 69 at Prestonwood Country Club to claim a two-stroke victory over Ernie Els, marking the second-oldest winning performance in PGA Tour Champions history.
How Did Wayne De Haas Replace Singh’s Caddie at the SAS Championship?
The victory was forged under unusual circumstances after Singh’s regular caddie was dismissed just days before the tournament began. Singh revealed that his previous loop fired him on Tuesday because the player was "getting onto him too much," Golf.com reported.
To fill the vacancy, Singh reached out to Wayne De Haas, a former professional golfer who has previously caddied for Els and Cameron Young. De Haas had recently lost his own bag on the Korn Ferry Tour, making him available on short notice. The smooth transition allowed Singh to focus entirely on execution while De Haas handled the course management and yardage.
What Milestones Did Vijay Singh Reach on PGA Tour Champions?
Singh’s final-round 69 secured his sixth career victory on PGA Tour Champions and his first since capturing the Ally Challenge in August 2023. By finishing at 9-under 207, he became the second-oldest player to win on the 50-and-older circuit, trailing only Bernhard Langer, who won at age 67.
The victory also provided a significant boost to his season standing. As reported by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Singh moved up to 33rd in the Schwab Cup standings heading into the three-event Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. He finished two strokes clear of Els, while defending champion Alex Cejka and Tag Ridings tied for third at 6-under.
Why Did Vijay Singh Credit Rededicated Practice for His Prestonwood Victory?
While the caddie change made headlines, Singh pointed to a fundamental shift in his preparation as the true catalyst for ending his three-year winless streak. After a period of inconsistent effort, he returned to the rigorous routine that defined his Hall of Fame career.
Singh explained his recent approach to practice:
"I think I kind of rededicated myself a little bit. I have been very lazy practicing. I’ve been working out, but I haven’t been practicing very much… Just the extra work that got me through." — Vijay Singh
This return to form aligns with his historical reputation. Former caddie Kip Henley previously noted Singh’s legendary work ethic, which included arriving at the range by 7:30 AM already drenched in sweat. However, Henley also highlighted that putting remained a persistent challenge throughout Singh’s career, noting that "if he was an okay putter, he would’ve won them all". Conquering those greens at Prestonwood required both mechanical repetition and mental resilience.
What Can Amateur Golfers Learn From Vijay Singh’s Caddie Dynamic?
Singh’s mid-week caddie dismissal offers a valuable lesson for amateur competitors and club members regarding emotional management and communication on the course. Professional golf requires a symbiotic relationship between player and caddie, built on trust and clear communication. When frustration leads to harsh criticism, the partnership fractures, directly impacting scoring.
For recreational golfers, the takeaway is to maintain a constructive dialogue with your caddie or playing partners. If a shot goes awry, focus on the next decision rather than assigning blame. A positive, solution-oriented loop keeps the mind engaged in course management rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
Furthermore, Singh’s admission about "lazy practicing" underscores a universal truth in golf improvement: talent and past success cannot compensate for a lack of current preparation. Whether you are a junior golfer developing your swing or an amateur competitor trying to lower your handicap, consistent, focused practice remains the only reliable path to breaking through a scoring plateau.
