Alker enjoys lucrative seniors moment in US
Steven Alker’s remarkable form on the PGA Tour Champions continued with the New Zealand golfer winning his second title in his last three tournaments yesterday.
Alker showed why he is the form player on the seniors scene in the United States with a commanding win in the Insperity Invitational in Houston, Texas, shooting a near-flawless final round of six-under-par 66 to win by four shots at 18-under for the tournament.
His back nine of 31 on the final day included four birdies and an eagle to leave his international rivals helpless.
It earned him his biggest payout since joining the over-50s tour last year, with a $534,000 winner’s cheque at the Woodlands Country Club course.
That took his season earnings to $1,634,701 and No 1 on the money list for the lucrative Charles Schwab Cup
Championship at the end of the season.
In 17 starts since joining the PGA Tour Champions last year, Alker has 10 finishes in the top five.
‘‘It’s been a fun ride,’’ Alker said. ‘‘I’m just happy to be out here.
‘‘Everything has come around. I’m enjoying my game. Everything is a lot of fun.’’
Alker started the last day in a three-way tie for first at 12-under with Americans Brandt Jobe and Steve Stricker.
Alker began positively with a birdie at the second hole and turned at one-under in his final round before play was put on hold because of lightning strikes.
Alker made strikes of his own after the resumption with three birdies in three holes from the 11th putting him in control.
He all but sealed the victory with an eagle at the par-five 15th that gave him a four-shot lead with
three holes to play.
His sizzling play continued with a birdie at the 16th and his only blemish came with a meaningless bogey at the 18th.
Jobe and Striker finished tied for second at 14-under.
Meanwhile, New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox recorded another top 10 finish on the DP World Tour.
Fox had a tough final day at the Catalunya Championship in Spain but held tough to finish in a tie for ninth and earn $60,000.
Starting the day in a tie for fifth, four shots off the pace, Fox faded as he ground out a one-over 73 to finish at six-under.
That left him five shots adrift of eventual winner, Adri Arnaus, of Spain. –