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‘My head wasn’t quite in the right place’: Alker opens up after Champions tour win
Sport Nation • August 27th, 2026 9:12 am
Steven Alker | Photo: Photosport
Kiwi Steven Elker admitted his second PGA Tour Champions win of the season came during a difficult period away from the golf course.
Elker claimed victory at the Rogers Charity Classic on Monday (NZ time) in a playoff to secure his 12th overall Champions title, continuing his remarkable record on the senior circuit.
The 55-year-old Hamiltonian has made the cut in 111 of his 112 starts, with 80 top-10 finishes and more than US$14 million (NZ$23.5m) in career earnings on the tour.
Speaking with Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy on Wednesday, Elker revealed he had been dealing with family issues in recent months, including a death in the family.
Steve Alker's key to consistency | Scotty & Izzy
"The last couple of months have been tough. My head wasn't quite in the right place at times," Elker said.
"I want to keep playing and keep my game in shape, but kind of been supporting my family more. That's been my focus, to be honest."
Alker said the win had helped him regain some focus, although he has shifted his goals for the remainder of the season.
Rather than chasing the Charles Schwab Cup in November, Elker said he would now focus on winning more tournaments and defending his Simmons Bank Championship title in Arkansas, which begins October 31.
"Just trying to keep racking up the wins, guys, to be honest," he said.
"I'm getting older. I might have five or six good games left in me, so I'm just trying to make the most of it."
Listen to the full interview below:
