Steven Alker holds on to win Charles Schwab Cup Championship

PHOENIX — Steven Alker’s nail-biting 1-under 70 allowed him to clinch the Charles Schwab Cup Championship on Sunday, earning him a massive payday of just over $1 million. In a thrilling finish, Alker managed to hold on to his lead by getting up-and-down for par on the final three holes.

This victory comes after Alker’s winning the Schwab Cup a year ago, marking his second triumph in the event.

With Steve Stricker having already secured the season points list, Alker’s win at Phoenix Country Club placed him second in the Schwab Cup, netting him a significant $500,000 bonus. Overall, the 52-year-old from New Zealand earned a total of $528,000 for the tournament, claiming his seventh title on the PGA Tour Champions.

Despite starting the final round with a four-shot lead, Alker faced a tough battle to hold off the competition.

On the 18th hole, Ernie Els and Stephen Ames both made late surges, but Alker’s composure helped him secure the victory. Alker’s calculated lay-up on the par-5 closing hole allowed him to maintain his lead, although a nerve-wracking chip and putt on the final hole added to the drama.

Reflecting on his win, Alker commented, “I made it exciting here on 18, but that wasn’t the plan.”

Meanwhile, Stricker, who was dominant throughout the season with six victories, including three majors, was unable to compete in the event due to his father’s hospitalization. Nonetheless, he still claimed the $1 million bonus for his exceptional performance throughout the season.

Els finished third in the Schwab Cup, earning a $300,000 bonus, followed by Padraig Harrington in fourth ($200,000) and Bernhard Langer in fifth ($100,000). Stephen Ames finished No. 6, rounding off an impressive season with four victories.

Ames himself reflected on his season, saying, “I think overall it obviously is a good season. Four wins in there, in my books I grade it as a B-plus only because I thought it was a bit inconsistent. Last year was a lot more consistent where I had more opportunities to win. This year I didn’t have as many, but I still won four, which is nice.”