Major champion achieves incredibly rare milestone at Valspar

Stewart Cink’s impressive performance at this week’s Valspar Championship isn’t just remarkable; it’s historic. With solid opening rounds of 69 and 67, Cink finds himself in a share of the 36-hole lead, marking his seventh career instance of leading or co-leading at this stage of a PGA Tour event. What’s more, he achieved another significant milestone by making the cut for the 500th time in his illustrious career, a feat accomplished by only seven other players in Tour history.

Notably, legends like Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player fall short of this milestone, despite their remarkable careers. Even Tiger Woods, with his record-setting streak of 142 consecutive cuts made, trails behind Cink in total cuts made with only 338 to his name. Remarkably, Cink, who is just two-and-a-half years younger than Woods, has competed in 677 PGA Tour events, showcasing his longevity and consistency in the sport.

But Cink’s achievements at the Valspar Championship extend beyond just making the cut. At 50 years old, he is poised to join an elite group of seniors who have won on the PGA Tour, with the opportunity to become the seventh-oldest winner in Tour history. The last player over 50 to claim victory was Phil Mickelson at the 2021 PGA Championship, underscoring the rarity of such an accomplishment.

Reflecting on his milestone of 500 cuts made, Cink expressed pride and gratitude for his lengthy and successful career. Despite the challenges and fluctuations along the way, he has savored every moment on the Tour and considers reaching 500 cuts a testament to his resilience and skill.

Cink’s last victory on the PGA Tour came in 2021 at the RBC Heritage, marking his second win of that season. Interestingly, it was also the last time he held the 36-hole lead in a tournament, making his current position at the Valspar Championship all the more meaningful.

Heading into the third round at Innisbrook, Cink finds himself in a five-way tie for the lead at six under. With a strong start to the third round, he remains in contention, showcasing his competitive spirit and ability to thrive under pressure. As he navigates the challenges of the weekend, Cink continues to defy expectations and prove that age is just a number in the world of professional golf.