Stewart Cink's Dominance: A Historic Start to the PGA TOUR Champions Season
The veteran golfer steals the spotlight with a remarkable victory.
In a thrilling season opener, Stewart Cink showcased his exceptional talent at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hualalai. The 52-year-old golf legend fired a bogey-free 64 to begin the 2026 season with a bang, securing his fifth PGA TOUR Champions win in just 37 starts.
But here's where it gets impressive: Cink's victory wasn't just a win; it was a statement. He matched the low round of the day, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with.
Key Achievements:
- Cink's win streak: He becomes the first player to win consecutive tournaments on the PGA TOUR Champions since Ángel Cabrera's double triumph in 2025. A remarkable feat, indeed!
- Record-breaking scores: His 54-hole score of 193 is his lowest in an individual stroke play event on the PGA TOUR Champions, surpassing his previous best of 197 at the 2025 Charles Schwab Cup Championship.
- Hualalai mastery: Cink's victory at Hualalai is his first in three attempts, improving on his T5 and T8 finishes in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Stats that Impress:
- Birdie leader: Cink led the field with an impressive 24 birdies, showcasing his precision and consistency.
- Power player: He tied for first in driving distance with an average of 312.2 yards, a testament to his strength and accuracy.
- Clutch performer: Cink improved his record to 2-for-7 when leading or co-leading entering the final round on the PGA TOUR Champions, proving his ability to handle pressure.
And this is the part most people miss: Cink's win has a historical context. He closed the 2025 season by winning the Charles Schwab Cup, and now opens 2026 as the first Charles Schwab Cup leader. A true champion's journey!
Other Notable Performances:
- Ángel Cabrera, the 2025 Senior PGA Championship winner, finished runner-up with a solid 66, showcasing his prowess despite being a first-timer at Hualalai.
- Retief Goosen, a World Golf Hall of Fame member, matched Cink's low round of 64 to finish third at 18-under. This marks his fourth top-six finish at Hualalai.
- Ernie Els, the defending champion and Hall of Famer, tied for fourth at 17-under, alongside Freddie Jacobson and Thomas Bjørn, both newcomers to Hualalai.
- Bernhard Langer, a three-time winner at Hualalai, shot his age or better for the second day in a row, a remarkable achievement.
- Jay Haas, the veteran golfer, shot his age or better for the third consecutive day, a testament to his enduring skill.
Cink's victory sets the tone for an exciting PGA TOUR Champions season. Will he continue his dominance? Can anyone challenge his reign? The golf world eagerly awaits the answers. What are your predictions for the upcoming tournaments? Share your thoughts and let's spark a conversation!
