Stewart Cink Claims Historic Victory at 86th Senior PGA Championship
Stewart Cink made history on Sunday, April 19, by winning the 86th Senior PGA Championship at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton. The 52-year-old golfer from Huntsville, Alabama, delivered an impressive performance that left the competition far behind. Cink secured his first major title on the Champions Tour and his seventh overall victory with a final score of 19-under par (269), finishing six strokes ahead of the field.
What stood out most was Cink’s final round of 9-under 63, which set a new course record for The Concession Golf Club, a venue hosting the tournament for the first time. This remarkable feat highlighted not only his skill but also his ability to adapt to challenging conditions.
A Challenging Course and a Remarkable Performance
Cink acknowledged the difficulty of the course, joking about its nickname, “The Concussion.” He noted that it’s a test of discipline and focus, saying, “There’s never been a day at The Concession that is not difficult.” Despite this, he expressed his appreciation for the course, calling it a great place to play and hoping to return in the future.
Throughout the week, Cink faced some challenges, particularly with his putting. However, he managed to overcome these obstacles, sinking long putts and playing three holes (7, 8, and 9) at 4-under par on Sunday. His performance on the 16 par-5s during the week was equally impressive, as he shot 15-under par.
A Record-Breaking Final Round
Cink described his final round as one of the best of his professional career. He joked about the ball seemingly finding the hole, saying, “The ball was finding the hole an awfuI lot.” He even went to the putting green to reconfirm his technique, adding, “My golf ball was just scared of the dark. It didn’t want to go in the hole. Anybody here feel me on that?”
His performance earned him a check for $540,000 and the Alfred S. Bourne Trophy, a 36-pound trophy that is slightly taller than the Stanley Cup.
Strong Contenders and Significant Prizes
In his first season on the PGA’s senior circuit, Ben Crane of Portland, Oregon, finished as the runner-up at 13-under par. He posted a final round of 68 and earned $324,000. Australians Stephan Allan and Scott Hend tied for third at 11-under par, each taking home $174,000.
Third-round leader Keith Horne of South Africa finished in a three-way tie for fifth place at 8-under par. Alongside him were Pat Perez of Phoenix and New Zealand’s Steve Aiker. All three players earned $108,283 each after their respective final rounds.
Prize Money and Legacy
This victory not only added to Cink’s legacy but also granted him a lifetime exemption to play on the Senior Tour. His win marks a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his continued dominance in the sport.
As the 86th Senior PGA Championship comes to a close, fans and fellow players alike will remember Stewart Cink’s remarkable performance and the historic record he set at The Concession Golf Club.
