ORLANDO — After nine top-5 finishes at the PNC Championship, including a trio of runner-ups, Vijay Singh and his son Qass have finally claimed the Willie Park Trophy, a red leather belt with sterling silver embellishments that’s similar to the original championship prize of the British Open.
“This is a highlight of my career,” said Vijay, “winning with him.”
This marked the 16th time the Singhs have competed together in the PNC, which features a two-person scramble format. Vijay, a three-time major winner, drained a 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to hold off a foursome of former champions.
Team Singh made birdie on each of the first seven holes and added two more on Nos. 12 and 13 before an eagle on the par-5 14th tied the lead at 24 under. A birdie on the 16th gave the Singhs the solo lead at 25 under, and another on the 18th gave them a two-shot lead at 26 under.
The Singhs shot 59-59 to become the first team to shoot two sub-60 rounds in PNC history. They won $200,000 for their efforts.
Victory for Vijay and Qass 🏆
In their 16th start, Team Singh wins the @PNCchampionship. pic.twitter.com/Ylykm9M9uP— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) December 18, 2022
“Everybody said to come here and have a good time,” said Vijay. “I have fun too, but we all want to win.”
Qass, 21, who works in insurance, said they didn’t know where they stood until they got to the last hole. Vijay noted that on Sunday, Qass hit two of the best 2-irons he’s ever seen in his career.
“This is already the best week,” said Qass, “so this is just making it just, you know, no words can describe. It’s going to be a memory I’m going to have forever.”
Vijay, who suffers from a sore left foot, won wearing Hoka trail shoes, noting that he can’t play in anything else without hurting.
“It’s a long story,” he said, “It’s not going to be fixed, put it this way. I’ll be limping for the rest of my life.”
John Daly and his son, John II, who won in 2021, finished T-2 at 24 under alongside Justin Thomas and his father, Mike, the 2020 champions.
“We were both very, very flat today, but you know,” said Justin, “we still tried to make the most of it.”
The stars of the week, Tiger Woods and his 13-year-old son Charlie, started the day two shots back T-2 with the Singhs and finished T-8 at 20 under.
“It was great, being with Dad,” said Charlie, “after working so hard to get here. For me, school, as well and him just the injury, being out there with a great atmosphere and everyone being out there, it was awesome.”
