PHOENIX — In a strong performance during the opening round of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, Stewart Cink fired a remarkable 7-under 64 to capture a three-stroke advantage. This event marks the final competition of the PGA Tour Champions season, taking place at the Phoenix Country Club.

At 51 years old, Cink recorded eight birdies along with one bogey in his round. He celebrated his first senior title at the Ally Challenge in August, and entered this week positioned 12th in the season standings.

“I just kept plugging away,” Cink remarked. “While every aspect of my game wasn’t perfect, I maintained a positive attitude, focused on the present, and worked hard to avoid becoming too emotionally attached to any part of my performance; I let things evolve naturally.”

K.J. Choi secured the second spot after finishing with a score of 67, while Jerry Kelly, Paul Broadhurst, and Stephen Ames closely followed with scores of 68.

Ames, who has won three times this year and is currently ranked third in the standings, noted, “You certainly don’t want to hinder yourself right from the start.” He emphasized the importance of being competitive in the early stages of the tournament.

Ernie Els, the leader in the season standings, opened his campaign with a score of 69 as he seeks to retain his top position and claim the $1 million bonus associated with it.

Bernhard Langer also finished with a 69, joined by Rod Pampling, Joe Durant, and Alex Cejka, all of whom are in close contention.

Defending champion Steven Alker recorded a score of 70, positioning him as the second-ranked player in the standings.

The championship includes the top 36 players on the points list, with Steve Stricker as the only qualifier absent from the field. Stricker has historically opted out of competing towards the year’s end and has never participated in a postseason event on the PGA Tour Champions.