Stewart Cink hasn’t finished worse than sixth in his last eight starts on the PGA Tour Champions, dating back to last season. Five of those starts have been wins. Two of those victories are majors.
The 52-year-old added the senior second major of the year, and second in the last three weeks, Sunday at the Regions Tradition via a final-round 69. He shot 18-under 270 total at Greystone Golf and Country Club in Birmingham, Ala., to top Scott Hend by three shots. Colin Montgomerie was third.
“I was pretty resilient and I trusted what I had and our game plan was good,” said Cink, who won the Senior PGA Championship two weeks ago in Florida. “You know, I wasn't perfect by any stretch, but I played good golf and under the circumstances I kind of did what I needed to do to kind of keep everybody from being too close. But still, it never feels easy. I wish it felt easier, it never does.”
When Cink birdied the second and fifth holes Sunday he appeared in complete control. Birdies at 11 and 12 made it all a forgone conclusion.
It’s now the second time in two years that the same player won both the Senior PGA and the Tradition, following Angel Cabrera who actually won both last year in back-to-back weeks.
“This weekend was a little scrappy,” Cink said. “I’m really proud I was able to stay out front.”
Out in front. Just as he has been all year.