Antonini: Cink Chooses Style Over Stubble

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- New-look Stewart Cink shot a nifty, little 71 Thursday at the Players that included three birdies in his first four holes and a water ball on 17. With six top-10s in 10 events this year, Cink is third on the tour's money list and third in FedEx points, but it's something he did off the course that made heads turn during round one at TPC Sawgrass. Cink shaved his head.

"I've seen a lot of myself on TV this year and didn't like seeing the band of black going around the back of my head," Cink said. "I wanted to look 35, not 55. I don't know if it's in or out, but it's in to me. There's no going back."

Cink said that, out of the blue, a company called Head Blade sent him a gadget. "It has a loop that fits around your finger and you just run your hand over your head," he said. "It gives you a smooth shave."

Cink said he wasn't embarrassed or disturbed that the company singled him out for the product. "Not at all," he said. "They sent it to my agent at the Masters, and I got it a week later."

After discussion with wife, Lisa, Cink used the razor for the first time a week ago. "It takes 10 minutes, including the lather," he laughed. As for his round, Cink said the "Cinkmeter reads adequate and not fulfilling of potential." His 71 leaves him tied for 23rd.

--John Antonini