By Tom Brew
Inspin.com/WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

The comment came from way out in left field or, more appropriately in golf vernacular, from way down at the end of the driving range.

But here was Vijay Singh, the PGA Tour’s most legendary workaholic, talking about maybe needing to finally act like someone in his mid-40s, someone who might actually need to back off a little bit in an effort to save his body.

Fat chance.

Vijay is what Vijay is and Vijay does what Vijay does. What he does is hit hundreds of golf balls every day in an effort to perfect what is already a beautiful golf swing. He has worked hard at his game, and it’s paid off late in life, at least by golf terms. He has been in the top five on the money list for nine straight seasons, including finishing first in 2003 and 2004. He has won three majors and, with last week’s win at the Mercedes, passed Sam Snead for the most tour victories after the age of 40 with his 18th win since turning the Big 4-0. He has 30 career PGA Tour victories, tied for 16th all time.

"Anyone who says 43 is old, they can go to hell," Singh said with a laugh after being presented his winner’s trophy last week.

He’s a factor, even at age 43, and it looks like he always will be. Instead of backing off this winter, he rededicated himself, and it’s already paying off. He was by far the most impressive player in the field last week, and the same holds true again this week when the tour jumps an island for the Sony Open in Honolulu beginning Thursday.

Don’t be surprised to see Singh double up.

The good thing is I'm fresh and I'm really looking forward to the season,’’ Singh said. “I've worked very, very hard on both my golf swing and my physical side.’’

It shows, and usually when Singh gets hot, he stays hot. This has always been a good time of year for him as well, so look for him to be a factor at the Sony. Singh is the favorite at WagerWeb.com (+550 to win), and it’s hard to not think he’ll be in the hunt.

Here are a few others to keep an eye on:

David Toms: Toms is the defending champion and actually posted the lowest round of the week (67) at the Mercedes, so he might be up for repeating. That happens in Hawaii. Keep in mind that Stuart Appleby won three straight Mercedes titles. Maybe Toms (+1400 at WagerWeb.com) can have the same magic.

Trevor Immelman: If Trevor can get his putting woes straightened out, look out. He’s hitting the ball great, and if he gets hot he can be a huge factor. The greens are a little easier to figure out this week, so look for him to make a good run.

Aaron Baddeley: Looking for a long shot? Aaron could be your guy (+$6500). He has been hitting the ball well and has been playing a fair amount in Australia. It’s time for him to step up, and this might be a good place for him to get rolling in 2007.

EUROPEAN TOUR: The tour kicks off its season on Thursday at the inaugural Joburg Open in Johannesburg, South Africa. Charl Schwartzel, a South African who always plays well in his home country, is the WagerWeb.com favorite at +450 as none of Europe's top players are competing this week.



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