Jimenez, Alker Share Lead at Kaulig Companies Championship
Miguel Angel Jimenez and Steven Alker are tied atop the leaderboard at 8-under 202 heading into the final round of the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone South.
Jimenez fired a 4-under 66 on Saturday, playing a five-hole stretch in the middle of his round at 4 under. The 61-year-old Spaniard birdied Nos. 7-8 and 10-11 before dropping a stroke on the par-3 12th. He then parred his way home over the final six holes.
What makes Jimenez particularly dangerous is his form this season. He’s already claimed three victories in 2024 — the Trophy Hassan II in Morocco (February), the Hoag Classic in California (March), and the Principal Charity Classic in Iowa just three weeks ago, where he won in a playoff. That’s part of his impressive collection of 16 career PGA Tour Champions titles.
Alker, who shared the second-round lead, posted a 67 to maintain his position at the top. The 53-year-old Kiwi birdied the par-4 17th to pull even with Jimenez, then saved par from a tricky spot on 18 after missing the green long and left. He calmly rolled in a 5-footer to preserve his share of the lead.
Like Jimenez, Alker has also tasted victory this year, winning the Cologuard Classic in Tucson back in March — his ninth Champions tour title.
Michael Wright (66) and Freddie Jacobson (67) are lurking just two shots back at 6 under, while Richard Green sits at 5 under after a 67.
The stakes are significant at this third major of the PGA Tour Champions season. Beyond the prestige of winning at the historic Firestone South course, the champion will earn a coveted spot in next year’s Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
Firestone South, which previously hosted the World Series of Golf and World Golf Championships, is providing a stern test for the over-50 crowd. It’s excellent preparation for players heading to the U.S. Senior Open in Colorado next.
Angel Cabrera, who’s already claimed two majors this year at the Regions Tradition and the Senior PGA Championship at Congressional, sits at 2 over after shooting 73 on Saturday.
