The loss of a loyal looper

NAPLES, FLORIDA | It’s not as if Steven Alker never has taken adversity head on in his lifetime. He once played a season on what is now the Korn Ferry Tour, teed it up 21 weeks across the globe, and failed to make a single cut.

Not one.

You want to talk about something to test one's character and resolve? Just think what it was like jiggling the house key into the front door late on Friday nights, having endured one more fruitless week that failed to cover the electric bill.

Amazing, then, to see where the 51-year-old Alker stands today. The trim bomber from New Zealand has become the newest sensation on the PGA Tour Champions. Last season was nothing but magic: four PGA Tour Champions victories, including his first senior major (KitchenAid Senior PGA); 18 top 10s; $3.5 million in earnings; a Charles Schwab Cup title; and to cap it off, Player of the Year honors.
How “Texas” was Sam? Shoot, the man used a homemade bag strap carved from a leather saddle.
Everywhere Alker turned, success. Birdies. Eagles. Trophies. The hits j...