June 23, 2008 -- When I awoke Sunday morning, I was excited to watch some golf. The scenic peaceful setting over beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee outside my window was nothing like the fireworks I expected later in the day at The Travelers Championship in Romwell, Conn. All week long, the leaders had been "going low" and I anticipated a birdie fest to determine the 2008 champion.

Stewart Cink had plenty of reasons to smile this week at The Travelers Championship. (Photo: Getty Images)

But then, I had another thought. If third round leader Stewart Cink went in with a mindset that he would have to make birdie after birdie after birdie to win this event, would that actually be more damaging than helpful in getting him his first victory of the season? After all, it was sticking to his game plan that put him into the lead, not a strategy to be hyper-aggressive to go after every pin.

Cink's start would certainly test his patience as he quickly gave up a two shot lead on the front nine. He was striking the ball well, but the putts just weren't dropping and he was in danger of being passed. But he didn't panic. He knew his game was solid and so he kept to his plan and played his game.

Cink then got in trouble off the tee on hole no. 11, but played it safe -- attempting to save par by taking the safe route out of the trees and then getting up and down rather than pull off a heroic if not ill-advised shot. He managed to save his par.

To make matters even more difficult, despite the movement up of the tee times in order to avoid bad weather, there was still a one hour rain delay, a delay where Cink had plenty of time to overanalyze and reassess his strategy of patience and course management. He did not stray from his plan.

Immediately after the delay, he chunked his wedge shot from the fairway. This could have been a pivotal moment and one that many players would have used to go into full "panic" mode. But Cink didn't.

Finally, as Stewart Cink came down the stretch, he had to be fighting the demons that kept reminding him that he had not won on the PGA Tour since 2004. Even with a slew of strong performances this year, he had yet to find the elusive champion's circle.

But when it came right down to it, Cink played his game and won this year's tournament. He had plenty of opportunities to let this one get away, but he stuck to what worked for him and it paid off big time. Cink is now in second place on the Ryder Cup points list and is third on this year's PGA Tour money list.

So what can we all learn from watching Stewart Cink get his first win of the year? This one's easy. In order to play your best, play the shots and the game that you are most comfortable with. Stay patient and let the game come to you as opposed to forcing the game or score. I am convinced you'll score much better with this approach. Just ask Stewart Cink!

Craig Renshaw is the PGA Teaching Professional for Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club in New Durham, NH. He spends his winters as the Teaching Professional for Advantage Golf School in Scottsdale, Arizona and Ken McDonald Golf Course in Tempe, Arizona. He is a CHEK Biomechanical Specialist and instructor for Katherine Roberts for her Yoga for Golfers Certification. He can be reached at crenshaw@lwgcnh.com or by phone at (603) 569-3055