BEKSHIRE, England – Steven Alker was on his way to 63 under 63 on Thursday at the old court in Sunningdale, with six birdies and an eagle, which gave him a goal lead in the UK Senior Open, the final year of the PGA Tour major.
Alker won the Charles Schwab Cup twice and has nine PGA Tour titles, but he only has one senior professional PGA champion in 2022.
He led a shot from Australia’s Mark Hensby. Defending champions KJ Choi and Joe Durant are 36 strokes behind.
“I’m very efficient today. I drove it to the fairway when I needed it, the irons were solid and just made some putts, especially in the back nine, just something that lasted,” Alke said. “It’s always needed motivation. It’s a good start for the senior open.”
Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els were behind again in the group. Justin Leonard, who advanced last week at Royal Protush at the British Open, is 69.
