Ageless Vijay Singh Makes History, S.H. Kim Earns Top-15 at Sony Open
62-year-old Vijay Singh becomes the oldest player to make a cut since 2023, finishing T40, while S.H. Kim leads the International contingent with a T11 finish.
HONOLULU — The 2026 Sony Open in Hawaii will be remembered for Chris Gotterup's power display, but for the International Presidents Cup Team, the week offered something far more valuable: a bridge between its storied past and its promising future.
The Iron Horse Rides Again
At 62 years old, Vijay Singh's performance (T40, -5) was not merely a sentimental storyline; it was a masterclass in competitive longevity that resonates deeply with the International Team's identity.
Singh, who holds the record for most Presidents Cup matches played, demonstrated that the "International Shield" ethos—grit, precision, and fighting spirit—has no expiration date. By becoming the oldest player to make a cut since 2023, Singh sent a silent but powerful message to the current generation: Competitiveness is a choice.
Presidents Cup Perspective
For Captain Geoff Ogilvy, Singh's week is a gift. While Singh won't be playing at Medinah in 2026, his presence in the ecosystem remains vital. His T4 finish in Strokes Gained: Approach during the second round proved that pure ball-striking remains the great equalizer—a core tenet of Ogilvy's strategy for Medinah's demanding layout.
S.H. Kim: The Quiet Assassin
While Singh provided the nostalgia, S.H. Kim (T11, -10) provided the substance. The South Korean has quietly become one of the most reliable ball-strikers on Tour, a trait that is invaluable in the foursomes format.
Kim's performance at Waialae was built on driving accuracy and wedge play. In the pressure cooker of Sunday, he carded a 67, refusing to back down as the leaderboard tightened.
Medinah Implications
The International Team often struggles with depth. The superstars (Matsuyama, Tom Kim) are known quantities, but the Cup is often won or lost by the middle-tier players. S.H. Kim is positioning himself as that critical "glue" player—someone who can pair with a superstar and provide steady, mistake-free golf. His ability to navigate tight, distinctive courses like Waialae bodes well for the strategic test of Medinah.
International Team Leaderboard
- S.H. Kim: T11 (-10) — Stock rising. A potential foursomes specialist.
- Vijay Singh: T40 (-5) — A legendary display of longevity.
- Hideki Matsuyama: T55 (-2) — A rare off-week with the putter, but his tee-to-green game remains elite.
- Byeong Hun An: MC — Struggled with distance control in the wind.
The "Aloha Swing" is now complete. As the Tour heads to the mainland, the International Team has found a new reliable hand in S.H. Kim and a renewed sense of pride courtesy of the Big Fijian.
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