Steven Alker still has some catching up to do, but performances like Sunday’s will only help.
The New Zealander posted a 4-under-par 66 with clutch birdies at Nos. 16 and 17 to win the inaugural Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic on Sunday in Allentown, Pa.
It was Alker’s third win in his past four starts on the PGA Tour Champions; in the other start, he tied for second. He’s projected to remain third in the Charles Schwab Cup season-long standings, because Stewart Cink and Zach Johnson have won five and six tournaments, respectively.
But Alker, the Schwab Cup champion in 2022 and 2024, is a formidable foe who’s heating up at the right time.
“Just staying patient,” Alker said of what has changed for him recently. “I’ve been playing so well and put myself in position. And then you’re just trying so hard, your expectations go up. So trying to get those expectations down a little bit, stay patient.”
Alker went 14-under 196 over three days at Lehigh Country Club, edging Tag Ridings (final-round 64) by one shot. Michael Block, the PGA club professional-turned-Champions Tour rookie, held the lead overnight but settled for third at 13 under after a 69.
Alker knocked his tee shot at the par-3 16th hole to a manageable distance and holed the right-to-left putt for birdie to break a tie with Ridings for the lead. Ridings, playing one group ahead, birdied the 17th and parred the 18th only for Alker to do the same.
Making the win more impressive was the fact that Alker lost his regular caddie, Troy Martin, nine holes into the first round Friday when Martin fell ill. A young fill-in with plenty of course knowledge stepped up.
“It’s amazing. Whyatt, he’s a local guy here, he’s only 19,” Alker said. “He’s done a great job, helped me on some putts here and there I just wasn’t sure of because I hadn’t seen the golf course, hadn’t had enough time on it. So, it all worked out. It’s pretty special.”
Alker, 53, celebrated his 14th win on the PGA Tour Champions and his fourth of the season.
The aforementioned Schwab Cup leader Cink fired a 7-under 63, the round of the day, to move up to 11 under and tie for fourth with Sweden’s Robert Karlsson (66) and Australia’s Richard Green (68).
