Senior Open Lead Shared
Stewart Cink and Charlie Wi share US Senior Open lead after matching opening 67s.
Stewart Cink and Charlie Wi share the first-round lead at the U.S. Senior Open, both carding 3-under 67s at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio. Yahoo Sports reported that Cink was the only player in the field to make five birdies on the back nine during Thursday's opening round.
The strong start puts Cink in position to win his third straight senior major. He is already one of the hottest players on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. Wi, a former PGA Tour regular, matched him shot for shot to sit atop the leaderboard heading into Friday's second round.
Cink's Back Nine Blitz Sets the Tone
Cink's round was built on a back nine that no other player could match. He made five birdies coming home to post his 67, according to News4Jax. That kind of back-nine scoring on a U.S. Senior Open layout — known for its tight scoring conditions — is a strong sign of things to come.
Scioto Country Club has a long and storied history. The Donald Ross-designed course in Ohio has hosted major championships before. It is a demanding test that typically rewards patience and precise iron play, making Cink's birdie run even more impressive.
Charlie Wi Matches Cink With His Own 67
Charlie Wi is no stranger to elite competition. The Korean-American player spent years on the PGA Tour before moving to the senior circuit. He matched Cink's 3-under 67 to grab a share of the lead, per WSLS. Wi's steady round showed he can handle the pressure of a U.S. Open-style setup.
Both players sit one shot clear of the rest of the field after 18 holes. Several other competitors are within striking distance heading into Friday. The tournament is still wide open, but Cink and Wi have the early momentum.
Cink Chasing a Rare Back-to-Back-to-Back Senior Major Run
Winning three straight senior majors would be a rare feat. Cink has been one of the most dominant players on the PGA Tour Champions in recent years. A win here would cement his place among the best senior players of his era. Boston 25 News noted that Cink came in with serious momentum behind him.
The U.S. Senior Open is one of the most prestigious events in senior golf. It is run by the USGA — the same body that runs the U.S. Open — and typically plays at a higher difficulty than most Tour Champions events. Cink's ability to go low early is a good sign for his title chances.
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