Alker holds on to win Champions finale for $1 million payoff

PHOENIX — Steven Alker clinched victory in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship on Sunday, securing a prize of over $1 million by posting a 1-under 70. He managed to hold off the competition with a strong finish, having to get up-and-down for par on the last three holes.

Alker, a previous Schwab Cup winner, settled for second place this time around, as Steve Stricker had already secured the season points list before the postseason began. Despite this, Alker’s performance at Phoenix Country Club earned him a $500,000 bonus, adding to his $528,000 tournament winnings.

Although Alker started the final round with a comfortable lead, he faced challenges down the stretch. He missed the green on the 16th and 17th holes but managed to save par. The tension peaked on the 18th hole, where he had to lay up and rely on his short game to secure victory.

Reflecting on his unexpected excitement on the 18th hole, Alker admitted, “I made it exciting here on 18, but that wasn’t the plan.”

Meanwhile, Steve Stricker, despite being unable to play due to his father’s hospitalization, claimed a $1 million bonus for a dominant year that included six victories, including three majors. Alker’s win marked his seventh title on the PGA Tour Champions, with his previous victory in late April.

This successful conclusion to the season also brought significant bonuses to other players, with Ernie Els finishing third in the Schwab Cup, earning a $300,000 bonus. Padraig Harrington secured fourth place and a $200,000 bonus, followed by Bernhard Langer in fifth place with a $100,000 bonus. Stephen Ames earned a remarkable sixth place, despite judging his season as a “B-plus” due to what he felt was inconsistency.