PHOENIX — Stewart Cink shot a 7-under 64 on Thursday to take a three-stroke lead after the primary spherical of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, the ultimate PGA Tour Champions occasion of the season.
The 51-year-old Cink had eight birdies and a bogey at Phoenix Nation Membership. The Ally Problem winner in August in Michigan for his first senior title, Cink entered the week twelfth within the season standings.
“I simply saved plugging,” Cink mentioned. “I wasn’t on with each a part of my sport, however I used to be my perspective was nice, stayed within the current and simply been working actually laborious on not getting too emotionally invested within the rounds and simply letting it unfold.”
Ok.J. Choi was second after a 67. Jerry Kelly, Paul Broadhurst and Stephen Ames adopted at 68.
“You don’t wish to shoot your self within the leg within the first spherical,” mentioned Ames, a three-time winner this 12 months who’s third within the standings. “You wish to be someplace across the prime.”
Season chief Ernie Els opened with a 69 as he tries to carry onto the highest spot and a $1 million bonus.
Bernhard Langer additionally was at 69 with Rod Pampling, Joe Durant and Alex Cejka.
Defending event champion Steven Alker shot 70. He’s No. 2 within the standings.
The highest 36 gamers on the factors checklist certified, with Steve Stricker the lone qualifier not within the area. He has by no means performed a postseason occasion on the PGA Tour Champions.
