Steven Alker, a chap proving that age is just a number, and a rather high one at that, just reminded us all that the best wine can come from the oldest barrels. At 55, this New Zealander put on a clinic at the inaugural Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic, a move that felt less like a golf tournament and more like a seasoned rockstar pulling out a surprise encore. His final round, a solid 4-under 66, was highlighted by a perfectly timed birdie blitz on the 16th and 17th holes. It was like he saw his rivals getting a little too comfortable and decided, "Nah, not today." This masterful stroke of birdies snatched him a one-shot win over a clearly frustrated Tag Ridings.
Alker's season has become a rather beautiful, if slightly repetitive, tune. He’s been either first or second in his last four starts. This latest trophy, his fourth on the PGA Tour Champions this year, brings his career total to fourteen. You’d almost think he’s got a plan, but frankly, it’s more fun to just watch the magic happen without dissecting it too much.
Even Michael Block, who led after 54 holes and probably felt pretty smug, couldn't keep up with Alker's closing sprint. Block, bless his heart, shot a respectable 69, which would have won most weeks. Meanwhile, Stewart Cink decided to do his own impressive bit of climbing with a 7-under 63 – a fantastic performance, but ultimately just the opening act for Alker's headlining set. And let's not forget the slightly bizarre but apparently effective addition of a young caddie named Whyatt O'Rourke for the final rounds. Maybe it was the fresh energy, or maybe O'Rourke has a secret handshake that conjures birdies. Who knows? It’s golf, after all.