Red-hot Alker wins by four at Insperity Invitational

It continues to be one of the most incredible runs in golf in recent times. Sure, it’s not the PGA Tour but Steve Alker’s red-hot streak since first hitting the Champions Tour last year is what dreams are made of.

The 50-year-old Kiwi closed with four birdies and an eagle in his final eight holes to card a 6-under 66 to win the Insperity Invitational for his second victory and fourth top-2 result this year after losing in a playoff last week.

Steve Alker (Credit: PGA Tour)

“It’s been a fun ride,” said Alker about his streak. “I’m just happy to be out here. Everything has come around. I’m enjoying my game. Everything is a lot of fun.”

Alker entered the final round in a three-way share of the lead alongside Brandt Jobe and Steve Stricker, who was returning to tournament golf for the first time in six months following a long stint in hospital with a mystery illness.

Both Stricker and Jobe were unable to get their games going, each closing with 2-under 70 to finish four shots behind the New Zealander.

Alker’s win moves him to the top of the Charles Schwab Cup standings with a first prize cheque of $345,000. In 17 starts on the Champions Tour across the past nine months, Alker has 10 finishes inside the top five and 14 inside the top-10.

Stuart Appleby finished the best of the Australians in 14th place on 6-under with Rod Pampling another two shots back in a share of 25th.

David McKenzie (T55), Stephen Leaney (68), Robert Allenby (T73) and John Senden (T73) rounded out the Aussies in the field.