Cink's confidence soars after British Open win

Stewart Cink of the U.S. watches his second shot on the second hole during the third round of the WCG Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament in Akron, Ohio August 8, 2009.

CHASKA, Minnesota (Reuters) - Stewart Cink said notching his first major title at last month's British Open was a huge confidence boost heading into this week's U.S. PGA Championship at Hazeltine National.

"I didn't win any majors for about 50 starts," 36-year-old Cink, a six-times winner on the U.S. PGA Tour and member of the last four U.S. Ryder Cup teams, told reporters on Tuesday.

"Then I won one and now all of a sudden I feel like I can do it every time. It's a huge confidence builder."

Cink said he was surprised by the recognition and support he received from the large galleries that have turned out for practice rounds ahead of Thursday's first round.

"There's a lot of people out there, it is really crowded, and there's lots of comments from the crowd, Cink said about the response to his playoff win over Tom Watson at Turnberry.

"A lot of support, a lot of congrats, and it's just really a good feeling. It actually instills even more confidence. It's been a great experience."

Cink said the length of Hazeltine National, at 7,674 yards the longest to stage a major, would provide a stern test.

"It's definitely living up to its billing. It's monster long," said Cink, competing in his 13th PGA. "Wearing out the two, three, four, five irons out there and the driver, of course.

"It's going to be a real test out there."

Cink said he never considered himself an underachiever for lack of a major on his resume but was enjoying the higher profile.

"A lot of people have asked me now that the monkey's off your back how does it feel? I never thought there was a monkey.

"I'm usually the under-the-radar guy in the group. I hear the 'Go Phil,' 'Go Anthony,' 'Go Camilo' but never hear 'Go Stewart' unless someone chuckles after it.

"Now it's a different story. And that really feels good."

(Editing by Justin Palmer)