Vijay Singh is one of the most successful golfers in the history of the game but controversy has always followed him around throughout his career.
Singh spent 32 weeks as world number one, spread over the three different spells from 2004 to 2005.
The now 62-year-old won 34 PGA Tour titles during his career – only 13 golfers have won more. He also won three major championships.
Tiger Woods said Vijay Singh was one of the two best golfers he ever played against, alongside Phil Mickelson.
Who’s THE MOST overrated golfer in the world?
Praise from Tiger does not come lightly and it was clear to see that he had huge respect for the man from Fiji.
However, Singh and Woods butted heads on plenty of occasions throughout their careers as well.
Back in 2013 though, the Fijian nearly caused an incredible amount of trouble for himself.
How using deer antler spray nearly got Vijay Singh into trouble
The controversy began back in 2013 when Singh told Sports Illustrated that he uses deer antler spray every few hours, every single day.
Deer antler spray comes from the velvet on growing antlers and is used to help joint health and boost immunity, amongst other things.
At the time, Singh was well past his very best, but he was still competing regularly out on the PGA Tour.
However, it seemed like the deer antler spray incident could bring an abrupt end to that.
Initially, the PGA Tour treated Singh’s admission as a violation of their anti-doping policy and a sanction was issued against the three-time major winner.
However, the PGA Tour made a U-turn when it became clear that Singh didn’t purposely use any kind of performance enhancing substances.
The statement from the PGA Tour read: “Since his initial quote was made public, Mr Singh has cooperated with the Tour investigation and has been completely forthcoming and honest.
“While there was no reason to believe that Mr Singh knowingly took a prohibited substance, the PGA Tour Anti-Doping Program clearly states that players are responsible for use of a prohibited substance regardless of intent.“
Deer antler spray is said to contain small amounts of growth hormone.
Singh hardly needed that, did he?
How Vijay Singh responded to deer antler spray incident
Singh was obviously completely unaware that deer spray contained a substance that was banned by the PGA Tour.
He wouldn’t have come out and told the world during his interview with Sports Illustrated if he had, would he?
Singh made a statement about the fall-out from his use of deer antler spray.
How many wins do you think 2000’s Tiger Woods would have if playing in 2025?
And how would it impact Scottie Scheffler's incredible year?
“While I have used deer-antler spray, at no time was I aware that it may contain a substance that is banned under the PGA Tour Anti-Doping Policy,“ he said.
“In fact, when I first received the product, I reviewed the list of ingredients and did not see any prohibited substances.
“I am absolutely shocked that deer-antler spray may contain a banned substance and am angry that I have put myself in this position. I have been in contact with the PGA Tour and am cooperating fully with their review of this matter. I will not be commenting further at this time.”
There was clearly no wrongdoing by Vijay Singh in this case, and it was obviously a big misunderstanding.
The fact that the Fijian was not punished was the correct outcome.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
