Steven Alker remains firmly in contention to defend his Simmons Bank Championship title after a second-round 67 left the New Zealander three shots off the lead in Arkansas.
Alker followed his opening 66 with another round in the 60s at Pleasant Valley Country Club, reaching 11-under 133 and a share of third alongside Sweden’s Henrik Stenson.
South Africa’s Darren Fichardt leads at 14-under after a spectacular 61, with American Zach Johnson one shot behind at 13-under.
For New Zealand fans, the title will be decided on Monday morning NZDT.
Fichardt Fires Record-Equalling 61
Fichardt transformed the championship with a bogey-free 11-under 61, matching the tournament record Alker established during the opening round of his victory last year.
The South African raced through his opening nine in 28 before adding three more birdies on the back nine.
His round also matched the lowest score recorded on PGA Tour Champions this season.
Johnson remains his nearest challenger after rounds of 64 and 67, while Alker and Stenson sit another two shots behind.
That leaves the defending champion close enough to make a serious Sunday charge.
Fifth Win Of 2026 Within Reach
Alker is chasing his fifth PGA Tour Champions victory of the season after already winning the Cologuard Classic, Rogers Charity Classic, The Ally Challenge and Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic.
Another title would take his career total on the circuit to 15.
It would also carry added significance in the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs.
Alker has already won four playoff events during his Champions Tour career. Victory in Arkansas would move him level with Bernhard Langer’s record of five since the playoff format began in 2016.
The 55-year-old is also attempting to become only the second player to win the Simmons Bank Championship in consecutive years.
Alker Secure Near Top Of Playoff Standings
The Simmons Bank Championship is the second of three Charles Schwab Cup Playoff events.
Only the top 36 players in the standings after the final round will advance to the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix.
Alker began the week third and remains projected to hold that position heading into the final 18 holes.
His place in Phoenix is secure, allowing the Kiwi to focus instead on chasing another trophy and strengthening his position ahead of the season finale.
Leaders After Round Two
| Player | Position | Total | Round Two |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darren Fichardt | 1st | -14 | 61 |
| Zach Johnson | 2nd | -13 | 67 |
| Steven Alker | T3 | -11 | 67 |
| Henrik Stenson | T3 | -11 | 68 |
Another Sunday Chance For Alker
Three shots is a manageable deficit for a player who has already won four times this season.
Alker has put together rounds of 66 and 67 without letting himself drift away from the leaders.
Fichardt’s 61 created separation on Saturday, but 18 holes remain and Alker has repeatedly shown his ability to finish tournaments strongly.
Another low round could give the defending champion a genuine opportunity to retain his title — and add another significant chapter to an outstanding 2026 season.
