Alabama Pro Competes in Major Golf Championship

Stewart Cink arrives in Bradenton as the clear favorite for the Senior PGA Championship. He brings strong recent form and a major award to the field.

Teaching pro earns rare spot

Neil Thompson secured his place by finishing tied for ninth at the Senior PGA Professional National Championship. That event took place at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

His result earned one of 35 spots reserved for club professionals. The Senior PGA Championship field totals 156 players this week.

Background and preparation

Thompson is the PGA director of instruction at Pine Tree Country Club in Birmingham. He also owns Magic City Indoor Golf and balances a full-time teaching schedule.

At 56, this is his third appearance in the championship. He placed tied for 78th in 2021 and missed the cut in 2023.

Health, family and support

Thompson had knee surgery in January and has been playing for about a month. He will monitor how his knee responds during competitive play.

His wife and three children, all younger than 11, planned to attend. His brother will serve as his caddie during the first round.

Tournament logistics

The championship is being played at Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida. Thompson tees off Thursday at 10:35 a.m. CDT with Scott Hend and Matthew Gogin.

The Golf Channel will air first-round coverage from 8 to 11 a.m. Thursday. Sponsors on Thompson’s bag include Birmingham’s Bright Future Electric and Donohoo Auto.

Top contender and Alabama connections

Stewart Cink, from Florence, won the Jack Nicklaus Award as PGA Tour Champions Player of the Year in 2025. In 2026 he has posted two victories, one runner-up and a sixth-place finish in four starts.

Several other players with Alabama ties also appear in the field. They include Joe Durant, Heath Slocum, Jason Bohn and Dicky Pride.

This week, Alabama Pro Competes in Major Golf Championship alongside veterans and past champions. The presence of both tour stars and club professionals gives the event a wide appeal.

Reporting for Filmogaz.com.