Steven Alker Earns 10th PGA Champions Tour Victory in Little Rock
New Zealand’s Steven Alker added another trophy to his rapidly growing collection, taking his 10th win on the PGA Tour Champions with a commanding performance in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Kiwi led wire-to-wire, closing with a three-under 69 to finish 20-under for the three-round event and seal a comfortable seven-shot victory.
Dominant Start to the Week
Alker opened with an astonishing 11-under 61, a round that set the tone for the tournament and showcased his class on the Champions Tour. He followed up with a solid 66 in round two, keeping his momentum intact and leaving little doubt about his form as the competition moved to the final day.
Final Round Precision and Consistency
The final round was a study in controlled golf. Alker fired a 69, recording just one bogey at the 10th hole in a round that reflected his improved iron play and a putting stroke that finally clicked. “I got my iron game back on song, so I was hitting nice shots and the putter, you know, it just wasn’t quite there for the last few weeks, but the greens were so good here,” Alker said after the round. He added that his focus and routine helped him stay in command throughout the day: “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.”
Back on Top in the Charles Schwab Cup Race
The victory also returns Alker to the pinnacle of the Charles Schwab Cup standings, reaffirming his status as one of the tour’s most consistent performers over the past few seasons. The win moves him back into the leader’s position, though he cautions that a tight field remains just behind him. “I know there’s not much gap. There’s probably 5-6 guys that can win it… but I’ve been there, I know what it feels like and got it done. We’ll just keep working on the game,” he said, signaling his intent to keep grinding as the year-end showdown approaches.
Upcoming Tests in the Season Finale
With the Charles Schwab Cup Championship scheduled for mid-November in Phoenix, the battle for the season-long title is far from over. Alker’s latest triumph has reinforced his credentials as a player who performs when it matters most, while also reminding rivals that he remains a legitimate threat to clinch the Cup again this year.
Field Notes: Contenders and Close Pursuits
Australian veteran Richard Green finished second on 13-under, a strong showing that underscored the competitive depth of the event. Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez, American Stewart Cink, and South Africa’s Ernie Els sit within striking distance in the season rankings, promising a tight finish as the calendar moves toward Phoenix.
For fans and players alike, Alker’s latest win reinforces a simple truth: in the PGA Champions Tour, experience, precision, and a steadfast routine can still tilt the field in favor of a seasoned champion. As he continues to refine his game, golf enthusiasts can expect more exciting chapters from the Kiwi who keeps elevating the standard in senior competition.
