Steven Alker cemented his status as one of golf's premier senior players by capturing the 2026 Cologuard Classic title from March 20-23. The New Zealand native's dominant performance earned him the winner's share of $330,000 from the tournament's $2.2 million purse.
"Winning is what we all strive for," said Alker, who carded a final-round 67 to secure his fourth PGA Tour Champions victory. The 52-year-old's triumph came against a stacked field of golf legends and recent PGA Tour stars making their mark on the senior circuit.
Ireland's Padraig Harrington pushed Alker to the limit before settling for second place and a $193,600 payday. "It was an incredible week; the competition is always fierce," Harrington remarked after his runner-up finish. The 2022 U.S. Senior Open champion demonstrated why he remains one of the tour's most formidable competitors.
The leaderboard reflected the event's competitive nature, with Zach Johnson and Tommy Gainey sharing third place honors at $145,200 each. "Every shot counts, and you can see how tight things were among us," Johnson noted after the final round. The former Masters champion's comment underscored the narrow margins separating golf's elite.
Thongchai Jaidee claimed fifth place and $105,600, while a quartet of major champions - K.J. Choi, Thomas Bjørn, Stewart Cink, and Bernhard Langer - each earned $74,800 for their T6 finishes. The depth of the payouts demonstrated the tour's competitive balance, with veterans and newcomers alike cashing significant checks.
"It's a great tournament that attracts top talent. Each year, the excitement builds, and 2026 was no different," said a PGA Tour Champions official. The event continues to grow in prestige, drawing both golf purists and casual fans to witness legends competing at the highest level.
Further down the leaderboard, fan favorite John Daly showed flashes of his trademark game to earn $17,380. "You just have to keep grinding it out; every shot counts, and every penny matters," Daly said, embodying the perseverance that defines the Champions Tour.
With 76 players earning payouts, the Cologuard Classic served as a springboard for the 2026 season. As the tour moves to its next stops, players like Alker have set the bar high, while veterans and rising stars alike will look to make their mark in upcoming events.