Stewart Cink, an eight-time PGA Tour champion and former Open Championship winner, continues to display impressive skill on the course, making him a strong contender in the $3M Charles Schwab Cup Championship. Known for his equipment loyalty, Cink is an avid PING golfer, with his bag predominantly featuring clubs from the brand. This article dives into Cink’s unique gear choices, the strategies behind his setup, and how it could help him take home the $528,000 prize.
Cink’s Partnership with PING: A Strong Bond Since 2019
Cink’s partnership with PING, which started in 2019, remains steadfast as he relies heavily on the brand’s clubs. Interestingly, even before officially signing with PING, Cink had already incorporated several of their clubs into his bag. In a unique arrangement with PING, Cink’s contract requires him to have at least 11 PING clubs in his setup at all times, underscoring his commitment to the brand and his confidence in their equipment.
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What a putt!@StewartCink owns the early lead @SchwabCupFinale. pic.twitter.com/etwk5sORT9
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) November 7, 2024
Stewart Cink’s Driver and Fairway Wood: A Look at His Long Game
Cink’s driver of choice is the PING G430 Max 10K, a powerhouse equipped with a 10.5° loft and a Graphite Design Tour AD XC 6 X shaft. This combination allows him to maximize distance and control off the tee, which has been essential for his strong performances. His fairway wood, a G430 Max with a 15° loft, is similarly optimized for performance with a Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green Small Batch 70 6.5 TX shaft. PING’s carbon fly wrap technology further enhances the control and accuracy in Cink’s long game, giving him an edge in tournaments.
The G430 Hybrid: Bridging the Gap with Versatility
Cink also utilizes a PING G430 Hybrid, which adds flexibility and consistency to his approach shots. Fitted with a Project X HZRDUS Black 90 HY 6.5 shaft, this hybrid delivers a reliable trajectory, especially in challenging positions. The versatility of the G430 hybrid has made it an invaluable asset for Cink, particularly in shots from the rough or longer distances, helping him maintain his high standards in reaching greens in regulation.
Irons in Stewart Cink’s Bag: Precision Tools for Approach Play
For his iron selection, Cink incorporates a mix of PING i210 and Blueprint T irons for various distances and shot shapes. His i210 irons, consisting of the 2, 4, and 6 irons, are ideal for longer approach shots, contributing to his impressive track record in greens in regulation. Cink rounds out his iron set with the PING Blueprint T irons (8I-PW) and i230 irons (UW) for shorter, precise approaches. Each iron is paired with True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100 shafts, enhancing stability and control in every swing.
During his recent tournaments, Cink’s iron play has remained consistent. In 2021, his greens in regulation (GIR) and proximity from 220-250 yards placed him among the tour’s leaders. This year at the Charles Schwab Cup, Cink ranks third in GIR, reflecting his continued accuracy and mastery of approach shots—a critical factor as he competes for another victory.
Wedges and Short Game: A Two-Brand Approach
Short-game finesse has always been a cornerstone of Cink’s success. Despite his commitment to PING, Cink carries wedges from two brands. His primary wedges include a PING Glide Forged with a 56° loft and a Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks with a 60° loft. Both are equipped with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts, providing the control and spin necessary for approach shots around the greens.
In 2004, one of his most successful seasons, Cink was among the leaders in scrambling and putting, statistics that highlighted his strong short game. Even today, Cink ranks T9 in sand saves and T5 in scrambling at Phoenix Country Club. His precise wedge play continues to support his top performances in high-stakes tournaments like the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.
Stewart Cink’s Putting Game: Relying on the Exclusive PING Ketsch Vault 2.0
While PING is widely known for their popular putter models, Cink favors a unique option: the PING Ketsch Vault 2.0. Unlike the more common PING PLC Prototype, the Ketsch Vault 2.0 has proven to be an excellent choice for Cink, who ranks T1 in putts per GIR% at this year’s championship. His putting prowess continues to give him an edge, and the Ketsch Vault putter, which is rumored to be exclusive to Cink on tour, plays a vital role in his scoring success.
Final Components in Cink’s Bag: The Golf Ball and Grips
Cink rounds out his setup with a Titleist Pro V1X golf ball, a popular choice known for distance, control, and feel across all shots. His grips, Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align, provide consistent hand placement and grip stability, enabling Cink to maintain control throughout each swing.
As Cink prepares to compete for the top prize this weekend, the meticulous details of his gear selection may give him the edge he needs to capture another victory. His PING setup, combined with carefully selected components like his Titleist wedge and Pro V1X ball, could be instrumental in his pursuit of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship title.
FAQ Section
1. What driver does Stewart Cink use?
Stewart Cink uses a PING G430 Max 10K driver with a 10.5° loft, fitted with a Graphite Design Tour AD XC 6 X shaft.
2. Does Stewart Cink use any Titleist clubs?
Yes, while Cink primarily uses PING clubs, he carries a Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks wedge with a 60° loft.
3. What putter does Stewart Cink prefer?
Cink prefers the PING Ketsch Vault 2.0 putter, a less common model that he is believed to be the only player using on tour.
4. What ball does Stewart Cink play with?
Cink uses a Titleist Pro V1X golf ball, chosen for its distance, control, and spin capabilities.
5. How many PING clubs does Cink have in his bag?
As part of his contract, Cink must carry at least 11 PING clubs in his bag at all times.
