Steve Alker extends Charles Schwab Cup lead
Steve Alker – file photo courtesy of USGA
Amidst the significant interest generated in world golf by the Presidents Cup battle in North Carolina, New Zealand’s Steve Alker continued his amazing run on the PGA Tour Champions with a share of the runner-up position at the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.
Alker finished one shot behind Steve Flesch and in a share of second place with Ernie Els and Paul Stankowski, adding yet another US$161,000 to his earnings in 2022 and again stretching his lead in the Charles Schwab Cup.
Alker has now earned US$2.730 million in on course earnings in 2022 and leads the Charles Schwab Cup by some US$259,000 over Padraig Harrington.
It was Alker’s 13th top five of the season in his 19 starts to date which includes three victories and now three runner-up finishes.
After Padraig Harrington had threatened to challenge Alker for the lead in the season long Charles Schwab Cup contest with three wins in his last eight starts, Alker is back in full charge.
Harrington did not play this week and their rivalry will likely recommence at the Constellation Furyk and Friends event in Jacksonville in two weeks-time.
Alker made the perfect start to the final round at the iconic Pebble Beach Links layout when trailing by one heading into day three. A birdie at the first was followed by an eagle at the 2nd and he was on track for a 4th victory of the year before two quick bogeys.
A bogey at the par 3 17th would prove costly but it was yet another outstanding week for the 51 year old.
“No, it was pleasing,” said Alker. “I struggled last week with my game a little bit, especially down the stretch, then just kind of got it together this week. I enjoy playing here anyway. So I got it together, gave myself a chance, hung in today and got a super start.
“It was a little bit topsyturvy today, but I should have got a few more early on. I had a good chance at I think 11 and again at 13, hit some nice wedges in there. If I just converted a little bit earlier, I might have been right there. No, pleased with the week anyway.
