05/01/26 06:30:00
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05/01 18:28 CDT Cink opens 2-shot lead in Regions Tradition in bid for second
straight senior major title
Cink opens 2-shot lead in Regions Tradition in bid for second straight senior
major title
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) --- Stewart Cink shot his second straight 7-under 65 on
Friday to take a two-stroke lead in the Regions Tradition in his bid to won
consecutive senior major titles.
Cink won the major Senior PGA Championship two weeks ago in Florida for his
third victory of the year on the 50-and-over tour.
On Friday at Greystone Golf & Country Club, Cink again had eight birdies and a
bogey. He began the round tied for the lead with Alex Cejka.
"I executed some nice shots," Cink said. "I made a long putt on 17. Had a
couple two-putt birdies, a couple pretty simple up-and-downs. It was really
nothing for the history books, it was just some good play."
Charlie Wi was second after his second 66.
"It was a pleasant surprise," said Wi, winless on the PGA Tour Champions. "I
ran off five in a row from the beginning. I don't think I've ever done that, so
it was nice to get off to a really nice start. A little disappointing to make a
couple bogeys out there, but overall I played really well."
The 52-year-old Cink opened the season with a victory in January in Hawaii in
the Mitsubishi Electric Championship, then won the Hoag Classic and Senior PGA
in consecutive starts in late March and April. He has seven career senior
titles after winning eight times on the PGA Tour, highlighted by a playoff
victory over Tom Watson in the 2009 British Open.
"I'm going to have some of my north and central Alabaman friends and family
here the rest of the weekend so that will be great to see them," said Cink,
from Huntsville. "Hopefully give them something to cheer about."
Cejka, the 2021 winner, had a 68 to drop into a tie for third at 11 under with
Retief Goosen (65) and Thongchai Jaidee (66). Goosen won the Mitsubishi
Electric Classic last week in Georgia.
Steven Alker was 9 under after a 69.
Defending champion Angel Cabrera was tied for 20th at 5 under, following an
opening 72 with a 67.
___ AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
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