On Thursday, Stewart Cink continued the show with a bogey-free 7-under 64. That incredible nine-under helped him to a commanding lead after the opening round of the season-ending Charles Schwab Championship, one of the stops along the PGA Tour Champions. With the championship being contested at the Phoenix Country Club, it’s an important stop during the season. Cink’s brilliant form has moved the 50-year-old into contention as he tries to overtake Padraig Harrington for the Charles Schwab Cup points title.
Cink’s tournament started on a high note with a birdie on the par-5 first hole. From there, he just kept his head down and played solid golf, turning in 3-under 33. The back nine saw him maintain his momentum, with birdies on two of the first three holes, showcasing his prowess and determination to secure the lead. Cink finished his magical round with back-to-back birdies, staking his claim to a nine-way share of the lead.
In what has been an evenly played tournament so far, Cink wins the round, 3&1. He further sets himself up for a good run in the overall Charles Schwab Cup points race. A distant third is hothand Steven Alker, no slouch himself, and Miguel Angel Jiménez, a dangerous opponent at any age. Alker is currently in third place in the season-long points race. He’s two shots behind Cink after shooting 66, tying with Tommy Gainey, Jason Caron and Steve Flesch. Jiménez, on the other hand, is currently tied for 15th after shooting a 69.
Els provided a touching story by playing beautifully, with a 1-under 70, finishing in a tie for 19th. At the same time, Thomas Bjorn did well to card 68, which left him tied for eighth. These competitors are all fighting for points in the championship battle, making the competitive spirit of this event even stronger.
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