Alker Dominates from Start to Finish in Little Rock
New Zealand’s Steven Alker captured his 10th PGA Champions Tour victory with a commanding performance at the latest event in Little Rock, Arkansas. Leading wire-to-wire, Alker sealed the win with a final-round 69, finishing seven shots clear of the field at 20 under par. It was a round that complemented the blistering 11-under 61 he posted in the opening round and a solid 66 in the second round, underscoring a consistently high level of play across the three days.
Strong Start Sets the Tone
Alker wasted little time asserting himself, opening with an 11-under 61 that propelled him into a commanding position. The blazing start put the rest of the field on notice and allowed him to play with the freedom of someone executing a well-laid plan. His ball-striking was sharp, and the putter, which had caused him some recent frustration, finally clicked when it mattered most.
Consistency and Focus Seal the Result
Over the three rounds, Alker exhibited a near-flawless game. He posted just one bogey—the 10th hole in the final round—which he described as a brief irritant that fired him up rather than discouraged him. “It annoyed me. It just kind of got me fired up a little bit,” he said. The rest of the time, his iron play was precise, and his greens were receptive, allowing him to maintain a steady rhythm throughout the event.
Putting Underpins the Victory
Alker highlighted the pivotal role his putting played in the win. “The greens were so good here. You just get it online and, hey, Bob’s your uncle. Putting was a difference, obviously, but I just felt more in control of myself in my game,” he explained. The improved feel around the greens provided the finishing edge in a tournament where every shot counted and a single bogey could derail an otherwise flawless performance.
Back on Top in the Charles Schwab Cup Race
Beyond the trophy, the victory has significant implications for the season-long Charles Schwab Cup standings. With this win, Alker returns to the top of the standings, reaffirming his status as one of the premier players on the PGA Champions Tour in recent seasons. He has claimed the Schwab Cup title twice in the past three years and is determined to stay in the mix amid a tightly bunched battle for end-of-year honors.
The Road Ahead
Alker remains keenly aware that the chase for the Schwab Cup is far from over. With a pack of veteran challengers close behind—including Spain’s Miguel Ángel Jiménez, the United States’ Stewart Cink, and South Africa’s Ernie Els—the margin is slim. “There’s probably 5-6 guys that can win it,” Alker noted, adding that he knows the feeling well from past battles and intends to keep honing his game as the season progresses toward the finale in Phoenix.
Bottom Line
Steven Alker’s latest triumph is more than a single win; it’s a reminder of his consistency and late-season form. With a 20-under total and a decisive seven-shot margin, the Kiwi golfer reaffirmed his status as a top contender on the PGA Champions Tour and a favorite to lift the Schwab Cup come November.
