New Zealand’s Steven Alker fired a 4-under-par 68 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead on the Boeing Traditional in Snoqualmie, Wash.
The 55-year-old made a transfer early, getting two birdies over his first three holes, then completed with 4 birdies over his closing eight to wrap his second straight spherical at 68 or higher (67 on Friday).
He is at 9-under 135 for the event.
Alker, an 11-time Champions Tour winner, is searching for his second win this season and first for the reason that Cologuard Traditional in March. He acknowledged {that a} loss of life within the household — his spouse’s mom — had affected his household in latest weeks.
“(My spouse) has been supporting me for 20 years and it is time to help her,” Alker mentioned. “Everyone’s acquired stuff occurring off the golf course, there’s all the time — however once you’re coping with loss of life, it is slightly bit completely different simply to be in the suitable place mentally. So, beginning to get there.”
American Vaughn Taylor matched Alker’s 68 along with his 5 birdies and solitary bogey. That was ok to land him in second place at 8 beneath.
Steve Flesch and Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen are tied for third at 7 beneath.
Flesch was 1 beneath for the day till he pocketed an eagle on the par-5 18th to get to 69.
Kjeldsen carded a 67 following an up-and-down day. He adopted three straight birdies to open his spherical with a double-bogey, practically wiping away his sizzling begin.
He balanced one other bogey with 5 extra birdies to decrease his rating.
“I felt good popping out,” Kjeldsen mentioned. “Then I birdied the primary three after which I had slightly hiccup after that, however straight again into enjoying effectively after. So it was — clearly it is not a clear card, however hitting plenty of good photographs, making some putts as effectively. I really feel I am in a great place.”
Rory Sabbatini of Slovakia had a powerful 65 on Friday, however he completed at 1-over 73 on Saturday. That left him in a tie for fifth with 4 gamers: Australia’s Richard Inexperienced (65), Notah Begay III (67), Argentina’s Angel Cabrera (69) and Jerry Kelly (71).
–Discipline Stage Media
