Steven Alker claims victory at the Cologuard Classic on the PGA Tour Champions.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Steven Alker secured victory at the Cologuard Classic with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff for the second consecutive year, defeating Padraig Harrington with a 4-footer on Sunday in temperatures reaching the mid-90s.
In the previous year at La Paloma, Alker triumphed over Long Island club professional Jason Caron with a 12-foot putt on the initial extra hole.
This marks Alker’s 11th win in 100 career appearances on the PGA Tour Champions. The 54-year-old golfer from New Zealand was nine strokes behind after starting with an even-par 71, then fired a 62 on Saturday to narrow the gap to two.
“I just made some simple mistakes the first round,” Alker remarked. “A couple of three-putts and missed a few greens here and there, and it was kind of silly stuff. I cleaned that up. I knew my game was in good shape.”
Alker finished with a 65 to reach a total of 15-under 198. Harrington, who played behind Alker in the final group, hit his approach shot long and bogeyed the par-4 18th, missing a 10-foot comeback attempt.
Both competitors found the left side of the fairway on the 18th during the playoff, with Harrington using a driving iron. The Irishman reached the back of the green from 146 yards, leaving a 30-foot downhill putt that slid past on the right. Alker used a gap wedge from 135 yards to set up the decisive putt.
“Ultimately it all worked out,” Alker stated. “One hundredth start, really special. I had no idea. It’s just gone so quickly, I’m having so much fun out here. To win here again is pretty special.”
Zach Johnson concluded with a 67 to tie for third at 13 under in his second appearance on the 50-and-over tour. He claimed victory two weeks prior in Florida during his senior debut.
Tommy Gainey also finished at 13 under after a 68, while Thongchai Jaidee (70) ended at 12 under. Sixty-eight-year-old Bernhard Langer (70) was one shot back, tied with K.J. Choi (67), Thomas Bjorn (67), and Stewart Cink (67).
