Stewart Cink highlights unique conditions at Royal Birkdale during The Open
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 2:30 PM
Last updated Jul 16, 2026
Stewart Cink faced unexpected challenges on day one of The Open at Royal Birkdale, shooting an opening round of 74. The course conditions, marked by dry terrain due to the summer heat and minimal wind, significantly differed from his previous experiences at the venue. Cink expressed that this year’s Birkdale is dry and firm, demanding a conservative play strategy to navigate successfully. He emphasized the importance of understanding the ball's roll after landing on fairways. Cink aims to leverage his nearly 30 years at The Open to improve his standing in the following rounds.
- •Cink opened with a score of 74 at Royal Birkdale.
- •Course conditions have changed significantly, being dry and calm.
- •Cink advises conservative play to avoid roughs off the tee.
- •He has played at Royal Birkdale four times, noting this year's differences.
- 2:30 PMYahoo Sports — Stewart Cink shocked by conditions at Royal Birkdale on day one of The Open
"Stewart Cink has seen it all when it comes to Open Championships. The 2009 Champion Golfer of the Year, who beat Tom Watson in a playoff at Turnberry in 2009, has played in golf’s oldest major since 1998.
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