Stewart Cink’s dramatic Hoag Classic win capped a week of memorable moments—part of a tournament legacy that has raised more than $25 million over its history for Hoag and community partners.
The 2026 Hoag Classic, Orange County’s premier PGA TOUR Champions event, returned to the Newport Beach Country Club the week of March 22–29, where Stewart Cink delivered one of the most dramatic victories in tournament history. But the week’s most lasting impression goes beyond the leaderboard, with funds raised benefiting the communities Hoag serves. The tournament has now generated more than $25 million in total proceeds, supporting Hoag’s programs and services as well as local educational, youth, military, and first responder charities.
A Standout Field
Presented by McCarthy Building Companies, this year’s Hoag Classic boasted a standout field of PGA TOUR Champions stars competing for the $2.2 million purse. Among those in contention were Ernie Els, Zach Johnson, Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, John Daly, Retief Goosen, and Darren Clarke, all adding to the depth and excitement of the world-class competition.
At the center of it all was Stewart Cink, who delivered one of the most memorable performances in tournament history, highlighted by a spectacular albatross on the par 5 18th hole on Saturday that decisively shifted momentum in his favor. Carrying that surge into Sunday, Cink played with poise and control to finish at 19-under-par and secure a decisive victory.
Beyond the Fairways
More than 300 guests gathered throughout the weekend at the Hoag Hospital Foundation Skybox, creating a meaningful opportunity for connection among Hoag supporters. The excitement began on March 21 with the Athletes First Celebrity Waiter Night, presented by Pacific Life, benefiting the Hoag Hospital Foundation, where NFL pros and celebrities traded their playbooks for serving trays. A full slate of events followed, including the Pacific Life Celebrity Classic, the Hoag Orthopedic Institute’s Hall of Fame Community Breakfast, the Aston Martin Newport Beach Legends Pro-Am, and the Chipotle Sunset Celebration & Concert. Student Day, presented by long-time sponsor Kingston Technology, offered students under 18 free admission on Sunday, March 29, along with access to the Chipotle & First Tee “Chip”-Ping Clinic, an Autograph Arena, where kids could get their favorite player’s signature, and more.
The tournament’s greatest victory, as always, belongs to the community. As one of the most impactful philanthropic events on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule, the Hoag Classic is a reminder of what’s possible when sports and philanthropy share the same stage.
