Alabama Golfer Dominates PGA Tour Champions

Stewart Cink wins Hoag Classic for second victory this season

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:54am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic motion and power of a professional golfer's swing, representing Stewart Cink's dominant performance on the senior tour.Stewart Cink's aggressive yet strategic play has propelled him to the top of the PGA Tour Champions.Florence Today

Florence, Alabama native Stewart Cink continued his strong play on the PGA Tour Champions by winning the Hoag Classic in Newport Beach, California. Cink carded a 5-under 66 in the final round to finish the tournament at 19-under par, four strokes ahead of Ernie Els and Zach Johnson.

Why it matters

Cink's victory marks his second win in four events this season on the PGA Tour Champions, the circuit for professional golfers over the age of 50. His dominant performance further cements his status as one of the top players on the senior tour and builds on his success last year when he won the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

The details

Cink put himself in position to win with a 9-under 62 on Saturday, which was the second-lowest 54-hole score in the 30-year history of the Hoag Classic. He capped off the victory with a final-round 5-under 66, playing aggressively but choosing his targets wisely. The $330,000 first-place check was Cink's second victory of the 2026 season on the PGA Tour Champions.

  • Cink won the Mitsubishi Electric Championship on January 24, 2026.
  • Cink won the Charles Schwab Cup Championship on November 16, 2025, which lifted him to the PGA Tour Champions' 2025 title.
  • The Hoag Classic was played on March 27-29, 2026.

The players

Stewart Cink

A 52-year-old professional golfer from Florence, Alabama who has won six tournaments on the PGA Tour Champions and eight events on the PGA Tour, including the 2009 Open Championship.

Ernie Els

A professional golfer who finished second at the Hoag Classic, four strokes behind winner Stewart Cink.

Zach Johnson

A professional golfer who also finished second at the Hoag Classic, four strokes behind winner Stewart Cink.

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What they’re saying

“Kept my foot on the pedal. We played very aggressively, but we choose targets that are very smart and efficient. Not reckless.”

— Stewart Cink

“I feel like I'm playing better and have more control over my ball than I've ever had. When I was even in the top 10 in the world rankings for a long time, I didn't even drive it like I've driven it the last six, seven months.”

— Stewart Cink

What’s next

Cink will look to continue his strong play on the PGA Tour Champions as he aims to defend his 2025 Player of the Year title.

The takeaway

Stewart Cink's dominant performance at the Hoag Classic, his second victory in four events this season, solidifies his status as one of the top players on the PGA Tour Champions. His improved driving and ball control have allowed him to play an aggressive yet smart style of golf that has led to sustained success on the senior circuit.