In a move that signals both the end of an era and the dawn of a new chapter, golfing icon Stewart Cink has announced his intention to join the PGA Tour Champions circuit full-time in 2025. The decision marks a significant transition for the 51-year-old, who has been a fixture on the PGA Tour since 1997, amassing an impressive eight victories and nearly $44 million in career earnings.
Cink, best known for his thrilling playoff victory over Tom Watson at the 2009 Open Championship, has been a model of consistency and longevity throughout his 28-year professional career. With 689 PGA Tour events under his belt, the veteran has showcased his skill and adaptability across multiple generations of golfers, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and fans alike.
A New Chapter on the Champions Tour
Despite his enduring success on the PGA Tour, Cink has recognized that the time has come to embark on a new journey. In an exclusive interview with Golfweek, he candidly shared his thoughts on the transition:
“I love playing the PGA Tour, but I’ve been doing it a long time and I’m such an outlier out there age wise,” Cink revealed. “It’s just not as much fun. If every day was Thursday through Sunday, if it was just the competition, I’d still be doing it. But practice rounds, the range, locker room, dining, at some point, you got to be around your folks and my folk are on the Champions Tour. So I told my wife, ‘I think it’s time to switch over.'”
– Stewart Cink
The decision to join the Champions Tour was not made lightly, but rather through careful consideration and with the full support of his wife, Lisa. Cink’s 173rd-place finish in the 2024 FedEx Cup standings served as a catalyst for the couple to reassess his career trajectory and chart a new course for the future.
A Promising Prelude on the Senior Circuit
Cink’s move to the Champions Tour comes on the heels of a successful foray into senior competition in 2024. The six-time PGA Tour winner participated in 11 Champions events, notching an impressive nine top-10 finishes, including a breakthrough victory at The Ally Challenge in August.
This taste of success on the 50+ circuit has only fueled Cink’s enthusiasm for the next phase of his career. “I have this window and I don’t want to look back and say I didn’t take advantage of it,” he explained. “I’ve got a chance to maybe do something really good over there. So, I’m moving on. I’m ready. I feel great about it and I’m excited.”
Embracing the Opportunity Ahead
As Cink prepares to bid farewell to the PGA Tour and embrace the Champions Tour, he does so with a sense of gratitude, anticipation, and unwavering support from his inner circle. The decision to transition represents not only a new challenge for the accomplished golfer but also a chance to redefine his legacy and forge new connections within the golfing community.
“Whenever we talked about the Champions Tour, she had always said, ‘You’re still PGA Tour material,’ but this time she’s like, ‘I was thinking the same thing.’ She said, ‘I am so on board with you in that.’ So feels right.”
– Cink on his wife Lisa’s support of his decision
With the full support of his wife Lisa and a renewed sense of purpose, Stewart Cink is poised to make an indelible mark on the Champions Tour. As he embarks on this exciting new chapter, golf enthusiasts worldwide will undoubtedly be eager to witness the veteran’s signature skill, determination, and passion on display once more, this time against a field of fellow golf legends.
A Legacy Cemented, a Future Unwritten
Stewart Cink’s illustrious PGA Tour career may be drawing to a close, but his golfing journey is far from over. With eight titles, including a major championship, and nearly three decades of unwavering dedication to his craft, Cink has already etched his name in the annals of golf history.
Now, as he sets his sights on the Champions Tour, Cink has the opportunity to not only add to his legacy but also to inspire a new generation of golfers. His transition serves as a testament to the enduring passion and competitive spirit that have defined his career, and a reminder that, in golf, as in life, the pursuit of excellence knows no age limit.
As the golfing world eagerly awaits Stewart Cink’s Champions Tour debut in 2025, one thing is certain: the veteran’s unyielding determination, skill, and love for the game will continue to captivate fans and fellow competitors alike. With a new stage to showcase his talents and a renewed sense of purpose, Cink’s next chapter promises to be every bit as thrilling as the ones that came before.
