Stewart Cink Props

[HytrewQasdfg]

The story comming out of the open is certainly Tom Watson, but I still think Stewart Cink should get his props.

He shot four birdies on the back nine to end the round with a 69 (and put himself into contention.)

He shot a two under par in the four hole playoff (the one time he got into trouble he made a great shot out of the sand.) The way he was playing, it is doubtful anyone could have beaten him in the playoff.

So, props to Stewart Cink on his first major.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Props to Cink, indeed. Watson really had the tourney in the bag, though im not saying that up and down he had in regulation on 18 was easy. It wasnt. But when he got the oppertunity in the playoff, Cink really shined and Watson crumbled. You cant fault Cink for doing what he was supposed to. He played a great 4 holes.

[HytrewQasdfg]

Props to Cink, indeed. Watson really had the tourney in the bag, though im not saying that up and down he had in regulation on 18 was easy. It wasnt. But when he got the oppertunity in the playoff, Cink really shined and Watson crumbled. You cant fault Cink for doing what he was supposed to. He played a great 4 holes.

Remember that Cink sunk a 15 footer on the 18th. to get to -2. I don't think it is fair to say Cink backed into it as much as Watson failed to grab it.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Remember that Cink sunk a 15 footer on the 18th. to get to -2. I don't think it is fair to say Cink backed into it as much as Watson failed to grab it.

That too. Though im barley old enough to properly remember, it was like that Masters where Greg Norman failed. Everyone was focused on Normans choke job and seemed to fail to acknowledge that Faldo played his butt off and shot 7 or 8 under in that final round. Same with Cink, he played really well.

[Trav]

Remember that Cink sunk a 15 footer on the 18th. to get to -2. I don't think it is fair to say Cink backed into it as much as Watson failed to grab it.

This is all true. Cink deserves it, he did what he had to do.

On the other hand, there is a big difference between making a putt an hour before anyone realizes it will count for much and making one under extreme pressure.

[DavidFehertysBike]

This is all true. Cink deserves it, he did what he had to do.

I think you could tell by his recation after he sank that putt that he knew that it meant something. I think he belived -2 was the number.

[shankapotamus]

Remember that Cink sunk a 15 footer on the 18th. to get to -2. I don't think it is fair to say Cink backed into it as much as Watson failed to grab it.

But Watson did fail to grab it. He missed the winning putt. If he makes that then Stewart's 15 footer wouldn't even been remembered.

[iacas]

Indeed, Watson failed to grab it.

You can remember that and still remember that Stewie was -3 on the last five holes he played. It's not an "either/or" situation.

[TheNatural]

Pyrrhic victory IMO
Congrats nonetheless.

[Awsi Dooger]

Of all the guys near the lead, Cink is the only one I wanted to avoid as victor. I've never been a Watson fan but it would have been a phenomenal story for the game so I went along. But with Cink I rooted against every putt, particularly on 18, where a miss would have eliminated him. I was secretly thrilled that he seemed to be aiming too far left but darn he got it right.

Cink always seems to be overplayed by the golf media as a top player and threat. He's nowhere near the alltime king Jim Furyk as a cliche choice to prevail, but it's annoying nonetheless. I was hoping he'd go his entire career without a major. I don't dislike the guy, simply bored by him. Most likely it dates to the first time I saw him, while attending the Las Vegas event in '97. Cink was very early in his career, probably a rookie, and I followed him for many holes before Tiger teed off. There were "Cink It" hats throughout the small gallery, no doubt family members and friends. It struck me as forced and plastic and overdone. I actually detoured from Cink's group to follow Ted Tryba, who also had friends following him but with loud hoots from the gallery, producing plenty of genuine smiles from Ted. I like to follow the tall golfers since I might learn something from their swing tendencies. I'm 6-4.

[Trav]

Turns out, it wasn't either Watson failing to win or Cink making the putt. It's all in the lap of Dr. Morris Pickens, who has modestly allowed himelf to be given credit by publishing a press release.

http://deadspin.com/tag/dr'-morris-pickens/

[Chas]

Everyone was focused on Normans choke job and seemed to fail to acknowledge that Faldo played his butt off and shot 7 or 8 under in that final round. Same with Cink, he played really well.

Very true. Watson failed to make the most of his chance but Cink was the one to force the issue with his play that day.

What a wonderful game is the game of goff .... TheNatural: "Pyrrhic victory ...."?, in what way exactly?

[TheNatural]

Very true. Watson failed to make the most of his chance but Cink was the one to force the issue with his play that day.

Just to see Watson win would have been the story of a lifetime. Its not like he beat Sergio or Tiger in the playoff. Watson could barely keep it together on the last hole, which just seems unfortunate. Then again he has won 7 majors?

Im sure the majority were rooting for watson. I was rooting for Rocco vs Woods and I didnt think much of the playoff win vs Rocco. Not slighting Cink in anyway.

[iacas]

Then again he has won 7 majors?

Eight. Don't slight the man.

[BASHERBAKER69]

I was a bit sorry for Tom Watson actually in the play off- he must have been tired, both physically and mentally (even Tiger or Phil would have been drained).

What I thought was a little bit unfortunate if not unfair was that Tom had to go straight back out after signing his card to compete in the play off, whereas Stewart had about half an hour to think about and get prepared to play. Tom didnt have time to slip a Werthyrs Original in to his mouth let alone have time for a cup of tea and a toasted tea cake!

Poor old Tom!..just agonisingly close!..it brought a tear to my eye...

Congratulations to Mr Cink naturally, but what bland champion!

[Shindig]

Despite how cool it was to see TW almost match other great players' major totals, I was glad to see Cink win. I really like him.

I wish I had predicted his score correctly, because I did pick him to win in another thread.