Cink happy to hand back Claret Jug

Deposed champion Stewart Cink had no hard feelings about relinquishing his Open Championship title
Deposed Open champion Stewart Cink had no hard feelings about relinquishing his title at St Andrews.
The 37-year-old American physically handed back the Claret Jug on Tuesday but after finishing well down the field he said the actual act of winning at Turnberry last year was far more important than the historic trophy itself.
“I had the Claret Jug for a year and it was time to give it back. I didn’t have a hard time giving it back at all,” he said.
“I really believe the satisfaction you get from the triumph of winning is what you want.
“The jug is representative of that feeling but it’s the satisfaction you want and that is why I am happy.
“Although I didn’t play quite as well as I did last year it was a great week here and the galleries were very receptive and I appreciated that.”
Cink admitted he had not been playing well but said when he started the tournament he did not feel any additional pressure as title holder.
“A lot is of made of being a defending champion from a competitive point but it means nothing,” he added.
“There is no target on anyone’s back, it is not like I had to protect anything, I started at the same level.
“It is all ceremonial being defending champion but as far as the competitive part of it there is no difference.
“It was frustrating I didn’t play a little better but it’s not been a good year on the course.
“But I played four rounds and I enjoyed myself thoroughly and it was great to walk up the last fairway – the best place to walk up in golf.”
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.