Sept. 20, 2006
ATLANTA – Georgia Tech’s Stewart Cink will make his third appearance as a member of the United States team when it begins play in the 2006 Ryder Cup matches Friday at the K Club in Kildare, Ireland.
The 1996 Tech graduate, who now lives in Duluth, Ga., was one of two captain’s picks by Tom Lehman to round out the U.S. squad, which also includes Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Chad Campbell, David Toms, Chris DiMarco, Vaughn Taylor, J.J. henry, Zach Johnson, Brett Wetterich and Scott Verplank.
Cink, 33, has a 2-4-1 career record in Ryder Cup matches from his appearances in 2002 and 2004.
Asked about the United States’ role as an underdog in this year’s matches, Cink said, “Well, no, we don’t really spend too much time looking at that kind of stuff. Because in the past, underdog versus favourite thing hasn’t really played out too well on Sunday. You know, it’s just one of those things that’s on paper; we still have to go play the tournament and see who wins. We consider ourselves to be the best representation that America could put forth, and we’re going to come out here committed to win this thing.”
Read Wednesday’s entire interview with Cink on the official site of the Ryder Cup.
On the PGA Tour, Cink has won three times in his career and won more than $18 million since turning professional in 1995. He ranks 19th on the all-time PGA Tour earnings list, and his $2.4 million in earnings this year puts him 13th on the Tour’s money list. Since the 2004 Ryder Cup, Cink has posted 13 top-10 finishes. Cink’s last win came at the 2004 MCI Classic.
The Florence, Ala., native was a three-time All-American at Georgia Tech from 1993-95, earning three national player of the year awards as a senior, when he won four collegiate tournaments.
“Kids and parents watch these events, and they have the same kinds of ambitions growing up, so it is great to have one of our alumni involved in such a big event representing the United States,” said Tech coach Bruce Heppler. “Stewart is a great example to everyone on how to manage your life and be successful on the professional level. We couldn’t ask for anyone better to represent Georgia Tech.”
On behalf of Cink, the PGA of America is donating $100,000 to Georgia Tech to help fund the Golf: For Business & Life program at the Institute.
Golf: For Business & Life is a PGA of America college initiative designed to teach and improve the golf skill of college juniors, seniors and graduate students through instruction provided by PGA Professionals. The program has expanded to 59 universities nationwide reaching more than 20,000 students.
The successful program educates students, regardless of their chosen career, on how they can use golf as a business tool as they enter the professional world. Local business leaders are also asked to address students on how golf has enhanced their business.
“I have supported my alma mater for the past two Ryder Cups that I have participated in,” Cink said. “I always enjoy efforts to grow the game and especially now-a-days how big golf has become as a tool in business relationships, I think that when college-age students are able to understand that having a relationship with another person on the golf course is such good quality time, it will truly benefit them.”
