KEY POINTS:
GLENEAGLES, Scotland - New Zealand golfer Steve Alker has promised his caddieing wife, Tanya, 95 per cent of his earnings this week after starting with a two-under-par 71 on the opening day of the Johnnie Walker Championship here today.
Alker recorded four birdies on the PGA Centenary course to end the opening round six shots behind Scotland's Marc Warrren, whose 64 was one shot shy of the course record.
Alker's wife is carrying his bag for the first time since 2002, a year before they were married.
The Alkers are staying this week at nearby Kinross, at the house of his wife's parents.
It's the second time in recent times that Alker has been based with his in-laws because he based himself there for a few days after qualifying for the British Open at Carnoustie.
"We talked about Tanya caddieing about a month ago and that this week would be a good opportunity as her mum could look after our two children," he said.
"But I joked with her saying that she's on 95 per cent of anything I win this week while the kids can split four per cent and I'll get one per cent."
Alker has returned to competition just four days after securing his best result on the European Tour, a share of third in the Dutch Open.
That effort earned the 36-year old his highest pay cheque of 70,400 euro ($138,400), lifting him 44 spots to 140th on the moneylist.
He is still 25 places and 33,000 euro shy of those who will automatically retain their card for 2008.
He was happy enough with his 71 today.
"I don't feel too bad after that effort although it was a little disappointing not to birdie any of the five par-fives as I made all my birdies on par-fours and two of the par-threes," he said.
"It was pretty solid all the way around and I still feel very energised after last week and I am playing with a lot of confidence,
"I made a small adjustment in my swing as I was pulling a few tee shots over the final round last Sunday but I'm still on a bit of high from last week."
New Zealand No 1 Michael Campbell is not playing the Scotland tournament and intends returning to the European Tour for the European Masters in Switzerland, starting next Thursday.
- NZPA
