Steven Alker from New Zealand returned to the winner’s circle when he dropped a 12-foot Birdie Putt on the first playoffs to defeat Jason Caron at Cologuard Classic on Sunday in Tucson, Ariz.
Alker uploaded the top list late on Sunday with one eagle and three consecutive birds on their back nine. Alker shot his second straight round of 5-under 66 and ended at 12 in 201 in regulation.
He and Caron, who also published a 66, returned to the 18th tee at the La Paloma Country Club. He sank a straight, space Birdie putt for the victory to complete a comeback from four shots from the beat.
Alker, 53, burst on stage by winning Charles Schwab Cup season-long title as a beginner in 2022. Cologuard is his ninth victory on the PGA Tour champions, but his first since January 2024.
“Just have to keep knocking on the door,” Alker said on the Golf Channel broadcast. “You know how it is, you just grind away. I’ve been top-10, the top-5s, just been in the hunt, so it’s just to be patience, just work hard on the body this for season.”
Alker made a long eagle putt at PAR-5 11th to get to 9 during before bird no. 15, 16 and 17.
Caron, who was looking for his first champion -victory, Birdied no. 16, 17 and 18 to join the playoffs.
The Australians Rod Pampling (67) and Greg Chalmers (71) were in battle but ended one from the pace in a draw for the third. Chalmers led the tournament after each of the first two rounds.
“It’s a lot of fun, and the competition is just so good. The Aussians are coming out and the new blood, so it will be good,” Alker said. “You just have to keep getting better.”
Ernie Els in South Africa (70) finished fifth at 10 o’clock.
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