Straight Down Ambassador Steven Alker
Straight Down is proud to congratulate ambassador Steven Alker on his victory in the Senior PGA Championship!
Alker shot a thrilling 63 on Sunday to capture his first major championship and put his name on a trophy that includes many of the great in the game’s history. He started the final day four shots off the lead but went on to win by three after shooting the low round of the day.
Alker has now won three of his last five starts on the PGA Tour Champions. And he’s worn Straight Down’s Ace of Spades polo in the final round of all three of those victories. Why has the Ace of Spades become his trademark Sunday shirt? Alker said he enjoys its versatility, noting that the Scuba Blue color pairs well with any color pant. But it also reflects his mentality in the final round.
“Sometimes you have to take some chances and gamble in the heat of competition,” he said.
It’s been an inspirational rise for the New Zealand native. He turned 50 just 10 months ago and had to Monday qualify for his first starts on PGA Tour Champions. Now he has four wins in his last 11 starts on that circuit. Between turning pro in 1995 and turning 50 last year, Alker played just three seasons on the PGA Tour. He has earned more in 19 starts on the PGA Tour Champions than he did in nearly 400 starts on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours.
“It’s been a great ride out here and I’m enjoying myself,” said Alker, who earned $630,000 with his third victory of the year and leads the money list with more than $1.8 million in earnings this season.
The victory also earned Alker a spot in next year’s PGA Championship at Oak Hill in New York. It will be his first time playing that event.
“It’s just perseverance with a capital P,” he said.
