Jeev Milkha Singh mourns Vijay Kumar, calls passing 'huge loss to Indian golf'
Synopsis
Vijay Kumar, a four-time Order of Merit champion and 2002 Indian Open winner who shaped Indian professional golf's growth in the 1990s and 2000s, died of a heart attack in his native Lucknow on Tuesday. Jeev Milkha Singh's tribute underscores not just Kumar's competitive stature but his standing as a figure of sportsmanship and integrity — qualities that made him a mentor to younger generations.
Key Takeaways
Vijay Kumar , pioneering Indian professional golfer, died on Tuesday in Lucknow following a heart attack.
He won the 2002 Indian Open at Delhi Golf Club and claimed the Order of Merit championship four times (1995-96, 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000).
Kumar is one of only seven Indians to have won the Indian Open title.
Jeev Milkha Singh called his passing "a huge loss to Indian golf," praising his sportsmanship and respect for opponents.
Born 29 December 1968 , Kumar turned professional in 1988 and represented India at the 1999 Alfred Dunhill Cup in Scotland.
Vijay Kumar, one of India's most accomplished professional golfers, died on Tuesday in his hometown Lucknow following a heart attack. Jeev Milkha Singh, a fellow elite golfer, expressed shock and deep grief over the loss, remembering Kumar as both a champion on the course and "an amazing human being" who commanded respect across the sport.
Jeev's tribute to a rival and friend
In a post on X, Jeev Milkha Singh wrote: "It was shocking to hear about Vijay Kumar's untimely death. A champion golfer indeed, but one who was also an amazing human being. It was so much fun battling him on the golf course. Win or lose, he'd always respect his opponents. A huge loss to Indian golf." The tribute underscores Kumar's standing not merely as a competitor but as a figure of integrity within India's golfing community.
A pioneering career spanning three decades
Born in Lucknow on 29 December 1968, Vijay Kumar turned professional in 1988 and became one of the defining figures of Indian domestic golf during the 1990s and early 2000s. He claimed the Order of Merit championship on four occasions — 1995-96, 1997-98, 1998-99, and 1999-2000 — establishing himself as the era's dominant force. His career peaked with victory at the 2002 Indian Open at the Delhi Golf Club, one of professional golf's most coveted domestic titles in India. He remains one of only seven Indians to have won the Indian Open. Kumar also represented India at the Alfred Dunhill Cup 1999 at St. Andrews, Scotland, and finished joint runner-up at the 2006 Indian Open.
Legacy and sportsmanship
Beyond his tournament record, Vijay Kumar was celebrated for his sportsmanship and approachable personality — qualities that endeared him to rivals and younger players alike. His consistency across two decades of competition shaped the trajectory of professional golf in India at a formative moment, when the sport was transitioning from amateur dominance to a structured professional circuit.
Fraternity mourns
The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) confirmed Kumar's death via social media on Wednesday and offered condolences. The Indian golfing fraternity has begun reflecting on his outsized contribution to the sport's growth and credibility. Vijay Kumar is survived by his wife and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vijay Kumar and what was his significance to Indian golf?
Vijay Kumar was one of India's most accomplished professional golfers, born on 29 December 1968 in Lucknow. He won the 2002 Indian Open and claimed the Order of Merit championship four times (1995-96, 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000), establishing himself as a dominant figure in Indian domestic golf during the 1990s and early 2000s. He remains one of only seven Indians to have won the Indian Open.
When and how did Vijay Kumar die?
Vijay Kumar died on Tuesday in Lucknow following a heart attack. The Professional Golf Tour of India confirmed his death via social media on Wednesday.
What did Jeev Milkha Singh say about Vijay Kumar?
Jeev Milkha Singh called Kumar's passing "a huge loss to Indian golf" and praised him as "an amazing human being" who always respected his opponents. Jeev recalled that it was "so much fun battling him on the golf course," emphasizing Kumar's sportsmanship and integrity.
What are Vijay Kumar's major tournament wins?
His most significant victory was the 2002 Indian Open at Delhi Golf Club. He also won the Order of Merit championship four times and represented India at the 1999 Alfred Dunhill Cup at St. Andrews, Scotland. He finished joint runner-up at the 2006 Indian Open.
