IRVING, Texas (AP) — Steven Alker moved into place for his second straight PGA Tour Champions victory Saturday, capturing a 5-under 66 in windy situations to take a two-stroke lead in the ClubCorp Classic.
The winner three weeks in the past in the Rapiscan Systems Classic in Mississippi, Alker performed the 4 par-5 holes in 4 below with an eagle on No. 3 and birdies on 10 and 18. The 50-year-old New Zealander had an 8-under 134 complete at Las Colinas Country Club.
“It was a little bit topsy-turvy actually,” Aljer stated. “I struggled in the middle a little bit today, but my short game held me in there. Made some nice putts, good par saves.”
Alker received the TimberTech Championship in November for his first senior title. He has six top-five finishes in his final eight occasions, ending second in the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship and season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship.
“I think it’s going to be windy again,” Alker stated. “Just a lot of patience and just one at a time. The old adage, just stick with it. Obviously, I’m going to need a few under.”
First-round chief Jerry Kelly (70) and Lee Janzen (68) have been tied for second. Finishing on the again 9, Janzen birdied Nos. 2 and three to get to eight below, then bogeyed the fourth and sixth.
“We’ve seen the wind all week and it’s a challenge,” Janzen stated. “The greens are fairly agency and quick, so it’s a must to be very cautious on the place you place the ball. So I attempted to be very cautious about the place I left the ball for two days. I knew it was going to be a battle, one shot at a time.
Tim Herron (65) was 5 below with Colin Montgomerie (68), Brett Quigley (68), Tim Petrovic (67), Woody Austin (70) and Scott Parel (70).
The first-year match options 50 celebrities taking part in alongside the professionals. Alker performed alongside former Dallas quarterback Tony Romo and former tennis participant Mardy Fish.