Stewart Cink and Padraig Harrington share the lead after 36 holes of the U.S. Senior Open. After two rounds of head-to-head battle, they each stand at 6-under 134. Cink, a three-time major champion, is most lauded for his memorable wins at the British Open in 2007 and 2008, coupled with the 2008 PGA Championship. Fast-forward to today, and the 52-year-old Fredman is preparing for the first U.S. Senior Open of his career.
During the second round of the 54 hole, no-cut tournament, Cink made quite a statement. He even fired a blistering 31 on the front nine! This score tied Harrington’s 31 on the tougher back nine, highlighting just how in it to win it both veteran players were that day.
Cink’s round featured remarkable precision, as he hit all 18 greens in regulation, totaling 35 of 36 greens throughout the week. His ability to maintain such accuracy is particularly noteworthy given that he and Harrington are among the only players on the PGA Tour Champions who average over 300 yards in driving distance.
As the round wore on, Cink had made a thunderous return to the leaderboard’s upper reaches. He counted an eagle and four birdies over the last nine holes in his one-on-one match with Harrington. His day was pretty aggravating. On hole 15, his mis-clubbing led to a bogey.
“I made a mis-club on 15 to make bogey, and then obviously going into the front nine you’re hoping to make some birdies. Nothing is guaranteed,” – Padraig Harrington.
Harrington, an incredible 12-time senior major champion, showed that same grit on the course during his round. He had to play the tougher back nine but still shot the same score as Cink on the front side. No matter what he accomplished, Harrington told us he felt a certain expectation to do better the closer he got to the last few rounds.
Each player deserves to win the coveted Stanley Cup, but the respect from one to the other was very visually present when their bodies and sticks collided. You don’t want to see somebody suffer. Cink then went on to praise Harrington’s talents. This deep-seated camaraderie makes for an incredibly competitive tournament atmosphere.
“I love watching him play. I would hope that he probably feels similarly about me. He’s a world-class player and he’s been doing it a long time. I would love it if we could go the distance here,” – Stewart Cink.
The real story that’s gotten some buzz is Cink’s strategic approach to the course. He underscored just how crucial precise chipping would be on the difficult course design.
“You don’t want to be chipping downhill on this course, it’s not a secret,” – Stewart Cink.
Both bidders are preparing for further rounds. They keep their heads in the game and artfully deal with the intensity that comes with competing at this level. The U.S. Senior Open continues to generate passion. With the championship on the line, fans can’t wait to see whether Cink will earn his first senior title, or whether Harrington will add to his breathtakingly cool collection of wins.
Just two rounds to go now, and the races are heating up. Cink and Harrington each look to add to their lead. They’ll take whatever opportunity they can get to ensure a win in this highly coveted championship.
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