RICHMOND, Va. — Steven Alker shot a 9-under 63 on Friday to take the first-round lead within the Dominion Power Charity Basic, the primary of three PGA Tour Champions playoff occasions.
Alker had a bogey-free spherical on The Nation Membership of Virginia’s James River Course, making 9 birdies in a 12-hole stretch from No. 12 to No. 5. The 50-year-old New Zealander is fifty fifth within the season standings.
“It is a new chapter for me coming from Korn Ferry and taking part in with these younger guys — large, robust, hitting it perpetually,” Alker mentioned. “So in locations I used to be aggressive on the market, however I am sort of perhaps a bit extra aggressive out right here. My sport’s simply coming round on the proper time. You have nonetheless received to play golf and shoot the scores.”
Steve Flesch is a stroke again. He closed with a birdie on the par-4 18th.
“I have been placing nice and I am not overthinking something, which is the magic deal,” Flesch mentioned. “I actually am taking part in golf like I performed basketball. After I received the ball, I simply shot it, and that is how I am taking part in golf. I am taking like one look with the putter and I am going. I am not giving myself any time to muddle up my melon.”
Charles Schwab Cup factors chief Bernhard Langer, the 2017 winner in Richmond, was three strokes again at 66 with Bob Estes, Stephen Ames, Doug Barron and Matt Gogel.
Jim Furyk opened with a 69.
Defending champion Phil Mickelson shot 71, making a double bogey on the par-3 fourth. He received the Constellation Furyk & Mates two weeks in the past in Florida for his third senior victory in 4 profession begins.
