Golf: Alker starts well in North Carolina

Steven Alker. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwi golfer Steven Alker is in desperate need of a good performance at the Wells Fargo Championship and he has started with a promising three-under 69 during the opening round today to sit in a tie for 13th.

In his first season back on the PGA Tour since 2003, Alker hasn't collected enough FedEx Cup points to consistently get starts but a good finish this week would push him up the pecking order. He entered this week's event in Charlotte, North Carolina in 195th on the FedEx Cup standings.

Alker is four strokes back from leader Robert Streb who fired a bogey-free seven-under 65 to hold a one-shot lead over Patrick Reed and Kevin Chappell.

Danny Lee began with a one-under 71 to sit in a share of 45th, while fellow Kiwi Tim Wilkinson is in a tie for 103rd after carding a two-over 74.

Lee began this week in 63rd on the FedEx Cup standings; Wilkinson was 175th.

Meanwhile, world No 1 Lydia Ko has made a steady start to the Kingsmill Championship in Williamsburg, Virginia after she opened with an even-par 71 to sit in a share of 40th.

The 18-year-old is six strokes back from leader Joanna Klatten (six-under) who holds a one-shot advantage over a trio of players.

Ko made two birdies and as many bogeys during her round as she looks to keep her streak alive of having never missed a cut in a professional event.