Stewart Cink Claims Senior PGA Championship with Record-Breaking Performance
Stewart Cink delivered a stunning performance at the Senior PGA Championship, securing his first major title with a course-record 63 on Sunday at Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida. The 52-year-old golfer, who joined the PGA Tour Champions less than two years ago, finished the week at 19-under-par 269, winning by six strokes.
Cink’s victory marks a significant milestone in his career, especially after he claimed his first senior major title. His journey to this achievement has been marked by consistent success, including six wins on the PGA Tour Champions before this week, with two of those victories coming in 2026.
“It means a lot,” Cink said. “The game we play, your year is kind of broken down into the main events and then the major events. They’re all important, don’t get me wrong, but the majors just have a little bit more history behind them. There’s more rounds. The golf courses are usually set up a little bit more testing and exacting, like Concession. Then there’s more players. You know, simply there’s just more players you have to beat.”
A Strong Start and Dominant Finish
Cink began the tournament with rounds of 69, 67, and 70, placing him in a four-way tie for the lead — one shot behind 54-hole leader Keith Horne of South Africa. However, his performance on Sunday was nothing short of exceptional.
After an early birdie on the par-3 fourth hole, Cink surged ahead with an eagle and two consecutive birdies on holes 7 through 9. He maintained his momentum on the back nine, adding four birdies without any bogeys. His final birdie on the par-5 17th hole and a solid par on the final hole helped him achieve the record-breaking 63.
This score surpassed the previous course record of 63 set by Collin Morikawa and Bryson DeChambeau during the 2021 Workday Championship. Concession Golf Club will host the Senior PGA Championship again in 2027 and 2028, reinforcing its reputation as a challenging course.
A Challenging Course and a Memorable Win
Cink acknowledged the difficulty of the course, referencing its nickname, “The Concussion.” “There’s never been a day at Concession that is not difficult,” he said. “It’s a hard golf course. I think the nickname is well-known out there. I don’t need to say it.”
Despite the challenges, Cink felt he played consistently throughout the week. “My tee-to-green game was pretty similar every day. Today I just had a little bit better rhythm in my putting, and the ball just found the hole.”
Other Notable Performers
Ben Crane, a 50-year-old golfer, finished in second place at 13 under par. Although he shot a 68 on Sunday, he struggled to keep up with Cink’s impressive pace. This was Crane’s first appearance at a senior major.
“I didn’t know Stewart was that far ahead,” Crane said. “I thought I was in it, and then I signed my scorecard and I’m like, ‘Oh, I got beat by a mile.’ But we’re in second, so that was good.”
Scott Hend and Steve Allan from Australia each shot 71 on Sunday, tying for third at 11 under par. Meanwhile, Keith Horne experienced a rough finish, shooting 75 on the back nine and finishing tied for fifth at 8 under par alongside Steven Alker and Pat Perez.
Conclusion
Stewart Cink’s victory at the Senior PGA Championship highlights his resilience and skill on the course. With a strong performance and a record-breaking round, he has cemented his place in golf history. His win serves as an inspiration for other players and showcases the excitement and competitiveness of senior golf.
