Stewart Cink Claims Charles Schwab Cup with Final Round Surge

Stewart Cink clinched the Charles Schwab Cup Championship at the Phoenix Country Club on November 19, 2023, marking a significant achievement in his first full season on the over-50s tour. Cink delivered an impressive performance, finishing the final round with a bogey-free score of 4-under 67, enabling him to rally past Steven Alker and secure the title.

With this victory, Cink surged from third place to first in the season-long points race, surpassing Alker, who was vying for his third Cup in four years. Cink concluded the championship with a total score of 20-under 264, winning by two strokes over Alker, who struggled to a final round of 70.

“It was a good week start to finish,” Cink remarked after his victory. Both players began the day strong, each recording two birdies within the first seven holes. However, the momentum shifted at the par-3 eighth hole when Alker missed the green, leading to a bogey. He then faced further challenges, missing key par putts at the 10th and 12th holes, allowing Cink to take the lead.

Cink capitalized on his opportunity by birdieing the 12th hole, establishing a two-stroke advantage. Alker reflected on his performance, stating,

“It was an up-and-down day, but I didn’t feel like I did a whole lot wrong, to be honest.”

He acknowledged issues with his putting, particularly during the front nine.

Despite the setback, Alker fought back with a birdie at the par-3 13th hole. Both competitors managed to secure birdies at the 15th. Cink’s final birdie came there, while Alker continued to push, making a third birdie in four holes at the 16th.

The championship concluded with both players matching pars at the 17th. However, Alker’s bid for victory ended at the par-5 18th, where he lost his shot in the lake beside the green, resulting in a closing bogey.

In his assessment of Cink, Alker offered high praise, stating,

“He’s a world-class player. He could still play on the PGA Tour — he’s got enough length, and he still putts it nice and chips it nice.”

He also recognized Cink’s accomplishments throughout the year.

Finishing in a tie for third place were Freddie Jacobson, Jerry Kelly, and Tommy Gainey, all at 15-under par. As a result of this championship, Alker slipped to third in the Champions Tour money list, with earnings for 2025 totaling US$3.17 million.

The Charles Schwab Cup Championship not only capped off a competitive season but also showcased the talent and resilience of both Cink and Alker in a thrilling finale.