TUCSON, Ariz. — On Sunday within the mid-90s, Steven Alker birdied the primary gap of the playoff to beat Padraig Harrington with a 4-foot shot to win the Cologuard Basic for the second yr in a row.
Final yr at La Paloma, Alker beat Lengthy Island membership professional Jason Caron with a 12-foot putt on the primary additional gap.
Alker gained the PGA Tour Champions for the eleventh time in 100 profession begins. The 54-year-old New Zealander opened with an even-par 71 and was 9 pictures behind, however shot a 62 on Saturday to maneuver inside two strokes.
“I simply made some easy errors within the first spherical,” Alker stated. “I made a few three-putts and missed the odd inexperienced right here and there. It was a little bit of a foolish factor that occurred. I put it away. I knew my recreation was in fine condition.”
Alker improved his rating with a 65, ending at 15-under 198. Harrington, who was enjoying behind Alker within the remaining group, hit his strategy lengthy and bogeyed the par-4 18th, lacking a 10-foot comeback hitter.
On the 18th gap within the playoff, each gamers hit the left aspect of the golf green and Harrington made it with a driving iron. The Irishman hit it from 146 yards to the again of the inexperienced, leaving a 30-foot downhill putt that missed to the suitable. Alker hit a niche wedge from 135 yards for the profitable putt.
“Every little thing labored out in the long run,” Alker stated. “My a hundredth begin, it is actually particular. I had no concept. It was over so rapidly. I am having a lot enjoyable right here. It is fairly particular to win right here once more.”
Zach Johnson, in his second begin on the 50+ Tour, shot a 67 to tie for third place at 13 beneath. He gained his senior debut at Florida two weeks in the past.
Tommy Gainey additionally shot a 68 and was 13 beneath, whereas Thongchai Jaydee (70) was 12 beneath. Bernhard Langer (70), 68, adopted within the footsteps of Okay.J. Choi (67), Thomas Bjorn (67) and Stewart Sink (67).
