Steven Alker was the top New Zealand golfer on the world stage this weekend.
Playing on the PGA Champions Tour in Duluth, Georgia, the 53-year-old finished third after an impressive final round of seven-under-par 65. Alker ended the tournament 16-under overall, just four shots behind the winner, American Jerry Kelly.
Alker’s strong performance included eight birdies and only one bogey. South African legend Ernie Els finished second, only one shot behind Kelly.
Meanwhile, Lydia Ko competed in the Chevron Championship in Texas, the first major of the year on the LPGA Tour. Ko struggled to find her best form, finishing tied for 52nd after a final round of one-over-par 73. Her best score during the tournament was an even-par 72 in the second round.
Japan’s Mao Saigo won the Chevron Championship after a sudden-death playoff against four other players. The next major event for Ko will be the US Women’s Open in June. Ko, who has already won three major tournaments, hopes to add the US Open and PGA Championship titles to her collection before she retires.
Another Kiwi golfer, Daniel Hillier, had a good weekend too. He finished tied for ninth on the World Tour after shooting a final round of one-over-par 73. Hillier earned $91,000 and is now ranked fifth on the tour.
Other New Zealand golfers in action included Ryan Fox, Danny Lee, and Ben Campbell. Fox missed the cut in New Orleans, Lee finished tied for 44th, and Campbell withdrew from the LIV Golf event in Mexico City.
