Steven Alker fired a 7-under 63 on the Old Course at Sunningdale Thursday, grabbing a one-shot lead in the ISPS Handa Senior Open. The New Zealander’s opening round in the final senior major of the year featured six birdies and an eagle.
Alker’s been a dominant force on the PGA Tour Champions with nine victories and two Charles Schwab Cup titles, but he’s still looking for his second senior major. His lone major triumph came at the 2022 Senior PGA Championship.
Mark Hensby sits one back after posting a 64, while defending champion K.J. Choi and Joe Durant share third place three shots behind at 66.
“I was just efficient today,” Alker said. “Drove it in the fairway when I needed to and iron play was solid and just made some putts, especially on the back nine, just kind of kept things rolling.”
The way he attacked Sunningdale’s Old Course shows why he’s been such a consistent threat on the senior circuit. “Always need momentum. It’s a nice opening round for the Senior Open.”
Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els are lurking four shots back after posting 67s. Justin Leonard, fresh off making the cut at last week’s British Open at Royal Portrush, finds himself in the mix at 69.
