Watson has given older players "second life", says Singh

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tom Watson had given senior players a "second life" with his inspirational British Open campaign, Vijay Singh said on Tuesday.

He added that the 59-year-old's performance at Turnberry, where he lost in a playoff, meant the Fijian had reassessed how much longer he himself could compete at the highest level.

"Tom Watson, what a great story that is. That gave a second life to everybody, even in their 50s," Singh, 46, said in a conference call to promote next month's tournament at Liberty National which kicks off the FedExCup playoff series.

"People can go out there and have one or two days of good scoring in a major. But leading the golf tournament, and even after 72 holes being tied and going into a playoff, is totally unheard of," Singh said about 59-year-old Watson.

The American lost a four-hole playoff at Turnberry to fellow American Stewart Cink.

"It kind of gives us a second wind. I was thinking maybe 50, 51, 52, I'd still have enough energy and strength to compete. But now after what Tom's done it gives you a second life."

Singh, who has 34 career wins on the U.S. PGA Tour, has had great success in his later years.

In 2007 he snapped a tie with Sam Snead for most tour wins after reaching the age of 40. His victories in the first two events of last year's FedExCup series pushed that total to 22 and clinched the $10 million playoffs bonus.

"I'm working out really hard and I feel really strong right now," he said. "I can still compete with the young kids now. I don't know how long that's going to last.

"The body takes a lot of toll. The older you get the harder you have to work at it. That's been my motto.

"I'll see after I turn 50, I'll see how much more. If I can compete, I will keep going," he added.

(Editing by Ken Ferris)