The 2024 Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix saw Stewart Cink maintain his three-shot lead after shooting a 5-under 66. Cink managed to avoid disaster on the par-5 18th hole for the second day in a row, with a lucky break keeping his ball from going into the water. He has only one bogey over 36 holes and is seeking his second PGA Tour Champions victory of the year. Cink credited a lazy swing but was grateful that the bank on the 18th hole managed to hold his ball in the rough.
German golfer Bernhard Langer had the round of the day with a 7-under 64, three shots better than his age of 67. Langer attributes his strong play to a slight adjustment in putter alignment that has been paying dividends. Despite plans to retire after the 2024 Masters, Langer had to delay his final appearance at Augusta National due to a ruptured Achilles. He confirmed that the 2025 Masters will be his last competition at the prestigious event due to the course playing longer in recent years.
In the season-long points race, Steven Alker has overtaken Ernie Els as the new leader in the projected standings. Alker, who won the Cup two years ago and the tournament last season, shot a 3-under 68 and is tied for fourth. Els shot a 70 and is tied for ninth, seeking his first Schwab Cup points title. While Cink cannot win the season title, there are scenarios where he could finish as high as second.
The Charles Schwab Cup Championship is a four-round, 72-hole, no-cut tournament. Unlike the PGA Tour’s post-season, where the Tour Championship winner is declared the FedEx Cup champion, someone can win the Charles Schwab Cup Championship while another captures the season title of Charles Schwab Cup champion. The format of the tournament ensures an exciting competition as players battle for both the tournament victory and the season-long title. With the race for the Schwab Cup points title heating up, golf fans can expect an intense battle between the top players in the field.
