Steve Alker: Life begins at 50

By Neville Idour

I must admit that finding adequate words to describe Steve Alker’s extraordinary 10-event introduction to the PGA Champions Tour in the United States is probably never going to do it justice.

Apart from Phil Mickelson’s not unexpected four wins in six events on the same tour, it is difficult to find a better sequence of top finishes as Alker’s on any golf tour.

After no more than journeyman performances on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours, such terms as reborn, new dawn, resurgence and life begins at 50 have emerged to describe the New Zealander's stunning Champions Tour introduction.

His first 10 events, culminating in the Charles Schwab Championship finale, produced the following sequence of finishes: seventh, third, ninth, seventh, fifth, seventh, 16th, fourth, first and second.

To make the first event he had to win the Monday qualifier which he did.

That would continue to be the requirement unless he finished in the top 10 of each tournament which of course he did.

Still it was a daunting requirement which he took in his stride. To finish just a shot adrift of Mickelson in solo second place in the final was an exceptional effort.

Alker missed makeable eight feet putts by a whisker on holes 15 and 16 then made similar ones on 17 and 18 to just miss either a playoff or a win. In the heat of the battle he left many big names in his wake.

His ultimate 18th place on the points' list was staggering. His 1,792,707 points from 10 events was almost half those of overall winner Bernhard Langer’s 3,655,999 from, wait for it, all 39 events of the season.

Alker average was twice Langer’s. Jim Furyk probably deserved to win overall as he only played 26 events, but he lost his way in the last few holes on the final tournament.

Alker’s bank balance has improved by $US1,146,207 ($NZ1.5 million) from the 10 events while those players around his position had played 30 plus events. Alker’s statistics were consistently near 80 percent in fairways hit and greens in regulation while his putting was also consistent.

So what has been the catalyst for this welcome success?

Alker spoke to us: “I have worked hard recently on the fundamentals in my swing and keeping things simple.

``I finished my full schedule on the 2021 Korn Ferry Tour and while I missed out on the finals' events it was excellent preparation in the build-up to the Champions Tour which I had been focussing on for the last 12 months.

``The competition was tough, but the courses are similar to the Champions Tour.”

Excellent preparation indeed. However it was a decision born of some brainstorming with Bob Charles who was happy to share his experience and knowledge.

Alker’s fitness should stand him in good stead for longevity on the tour,

His final three events of the Korn Ferry tour gave a clue to his form as his play was on an elevated level with 12 consecutive rounds in the 60s and finishes of fifth and 11th. So it has proved. His consistency from those three events till now has been remarkable.

His statistics show he is driving the ball as far and as well as ever and his short game and putter have been top notch. Another factor in his consistent low scoring has been his ability to play the par fives well under par on most occasions.

What is different about golf now?

“I had a fun week at the Pebble Beach event. It is always a treat to play there. I’m finding it so much more relaxing. After all there are only three rounds (in Champions Tour events) and with no cut there is little pressure other than play as well as possible.

``I’m actually having fun. Not to forget I am playing with legends who were the best players in the world and some who still are.”

Think Mickelson, Stricker, Furyk, Langer to name a few.

How about the difference in the courses you play now?

“Overall they are much the same as the Korn Ferry but in the main a little shorter than on the PGA Tour. Probably the main difference is that the rough is shorter and therefore not as penal as the PGA Tour setups.”

Looking back on his progress he adds: “I have been living in Arizona full time for 11 years playing the Korn Ferry, PGA and now Champions Tour.

``It has been a long journey with lots of ups and more downs. But I have persevered, stayed in good shape and been thinking about the Champions Tour for a couple of years now.”

Looking back on his career so far Alker has certainly done the hard yards and in doing so has had many highlights.

He has won four times on the Korn Ferry Tour and also won seven times internationally including a stellar year in 2000 with three wins.

His biggest thrill in golf?

“Representing New Zealand as both an amateur and professional along with winning the 2009 NZPGA Championship in Christchurch.”

This writer well remembers watching Alker’s accurate and consistent performance on the challenging Clearwater layout.

His favourite course is St Andrews in Scotland which is the home of The Open.

“My favourite tournament has to be The Open (which he played in 2012 ) because the atmosphere is amazing and British golf fans have a great appreciation and knowledge of the game. I like links golf as true links courses are fun.”

Many golf fans will remember Alker in his early years when wife Tanya was his full time caddie. Not now. She and their children Ben and Skye have interests other than golf.

Says Alker: “It is great for me when I come off tour as I can enjoy what they do.’'

When he isn’t playing golf he lists Roger Federer as his favourite athlete to watch and New Zealand lamb is still his favourite food.

What does Alker like most about his life as a professional golfer?

“The constant grind to become the best player and person I can be and the opportunity that golf gives me to help others.

``I guess if golf wasn’t my job I would be involved in some other sport or have my own business as I like being my own boss.”

Alker would be no stranger to non golf work as he has been a petroleum engineer and a carpet cleaner.

Not forgetting his roots Alker says: “I miss a lot of things about New Zealand and the fire still burns. I love coming home to play and seeing old friends.

``Also the clean smell of the air and vegetation is so different to elsewhere. Having said that I am very fortunate to play and live in the USA.

``There are lots of opportunities, everything is convenient and people are hospitable. Home is where my family and I live now but … you can take the boy out of New Zealand but you can’t take New Zealand out of the boy.”

It has been something of an exhilarating ride following Alker’s Champions Tour successes and indications are it may well continue for the foreseeable future.

Alker’s goals are simple.

“I’m going to continue having fun and chasing more wins.”

And so say all of us.