WELLINGTON - New Zealand golfer Steve Alker clambered 39 places to finish third in the $US575,000 ($920,736) Xerox Classic in New York this morning.
A brilliant final round of seven-under 63 handed Hamiltonian Alker an enormous boost to his season on the United States second-tier Nationwide Tour.
His previous prize money earnings of $US21,404 ($34,273) will more than double to about $US50,000.
Today's round at the Irondequoit Country Club in Rochester was the best by anyone at the tournament, featuring three birdies on the front nine and four on the back.
It carried the New Zealander from even par to a seven-under finish, just two shots behind winner Kevin Stadler, son of renowned US golfer Craig Stadler.
American Glen Day was a shot back in second place while Alker tied with American Chad Collins and Welshman Richard Johnson.
New Zealanders Grant Waite and Michael Long tied for 23rd on two-under. Waite shot a one-under 69 today while Long carded 70.
The other New Zealander in the field, Tim Wilkinson, missed the cut.
- NZPA
Golf: Brilliant final round boosts Alker to third placing
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