Alker Takes Early Lead at Senior British Open

New Zealand veteran fires 63 to hold one-shot advantage

Steven Alker has seized the early lead at the Senior British Open, carding an impressive 7-under-par 63 on the historic Old Course at Sunningdale. The final major of the PGA Tour Champions season saw Alker post a round highlighted by six birdies and an eagle.

Dominant Opening Round

The victory on Thursday places Steven Alker, a two-time Charles Schwab Cup champion with nine PGA Tour Champions titles, one shot ahead of Australia’s Mark Hensby. Defending champion KJ Choi and Joe Durant are positioned three strokes back, having both shot 66s.

“I was just efficient today,” Alker commented on his performance. “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. Always need momentum. It’s a nice opening round for the Senior Open.”

Chasing Pack Emerges

Further down the leaderboard, Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els are among a group at 67, two shots off the pace. Justin Leonard, who recently made the cut at The Open Championship at Royal Portrush, is in the field and was among those who posted 69s.

Alker’s sole senior major victory came at the 2022 Senior PGA Championship, indicating his potential to add another coveted title to his already decorated career.

In professional golf, a strong opening round can significantly impact a player’s momentum. For example, in the 2023 Masters Tournament, early leaders often maintained their positions, with Jon Rahm, who started with a 65, eventually going on to win the green jacket (Masters.com, 2023).