The top of the Regions Tradition remained unchanged Saturday as Steve Stricker moved closer to another title.
Stricker, the 2019 Tradition winner and runner-up in 2021, expanded his lead by a stroke in the third round of the PGA TOUR Champions major. Showing his at-home comfort with Greystone Golf & Country Club’s Founder’s Course, he turned in a 6-under 66, finishing with a birdie.
That gives him a 3-stroke lead heading into Sunday’s final round.
But hold off on the coronation for at least a little while.
Steven Alker shot 7-under Saturday to move into second place, leaving him at 14-under as he seeks his first major victory.
The New Zealander, who broke onto the Champions Tour in 2021 and now has three victories, said taking the Tradition “would mean a lot.” But he knows he’ll spend a night battling nerves first.
“You always try to treat it like another day and another round,” Alker told the Golf Channel. “But that’s what I’m going to try to do. I’m enjoying this golf course. I’m enjoying here in Alabama. I’m loving it.”
Miguel Ángel Jiménez heads into the final round at 12-under, one stroke ahead of both Stuart Appleby and Pádraig Harrington.
Sunday’s final round will be televised by The Golf Channel beginning at 2 p.m. CDT.
The Regions Tradition is a fixture on the Champions Tour, and one of the most significant events on the Birmingham sports scene.
Since its inception more than 30 years ago, the Tradition has raised more than $20 million charitable dollars, with the bulk going to Children’s of Alabama, which serves the medical needs of children from across the Southeast.
In addition, the tournament has an annual economic impact of more than $25 million, helping fuel small businesses, nonprofits and community development throughout the Birmingham metro.
In case you missed it, prior to the beginning of championship play, the PGA Champions took to the course with celebrities from the world of college football, the NBA and Major League Baseball in the annual Celebrity Pro-Am. Find more on that here.
Stay with Doing More Today for the duration of the Regions Tradition for continued coverage of the tournament.