Stewart Cink has not had the popularity of Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson. Yet, Stewart Cink has earned respect through consistency. That is, until last year. The Sony Open at Waiale was Cink’s chance to show whether he is a has-been or will be a champion again.
Stewart Cink’s Rise
Stewart Cink has a decorated history in the PGA. He’s been in the Ryder’s Cup and Presidents Cup numerous times. He played 23 World Golf Championships in a row. After winning the 2009 British Open, he was ranked ninth in the world. I admire Cink for his consistency; he has always been a contender, until last year.
Stewart Cink’s Demise
Since the apex of his career at the 2009 British Open, Stewart Cink has sunk. While his demise has been ongoing for the past few seasons, last year was his worst season in the PGA. He watched nearly as many competitions he’s never seen as a spectator since 1999. Cink found himself ranked 147 going into this weekend’s Sony Open.
The Sony Open
The Sony Open could have been Cink’s new beginning, or it could have been the nail in his coffin. This was his opportunity to prove to me, and to all PGA fans, if he has anything left. Does he still have what it takes to win?
Stewart Cink has four tournaments before the Match Play Championship in late February. He must earn a qualification from these tournaments. At the Sony Open, Cink tied for 29th. This was not a decisive finish for me, but it was respectable. Stewart Cink could be a major PGA golf player this year.
If he continues to do well, then Stewart Cink will have the confidence to win again. If falls in the rankings, then his confidence might be fractured beyond hope. Caddie Frank Williams has called him, “Comeback player of the year.” The Sony Open showed that Williams might be right about Stewart Cink.
Sources:
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/01/12/cink-ready-for-fresh-start/
Stewart Cink Scorecard for Sony Open
Scott Brodie enjoys playing golf. He has reviewed golf courses can writes on PGA and LPGA news.
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