Steven Alker’s Simmons Bank Championship title defence ended with a share of 10th in Arkansas, where South Africa’s Darren Fichardt eagled the final hole to beat Zach Johnson by one shot.
Alker closed with an even-par 72 at Pleasant Valley Country Club to finish 11-under 205, following earlier rounds of 66 and 67.
The New Zealander began the final round tied third and only three shots off the lead, but could not produce the low score needed as Fichardt and Johnson pulled clear of the field.
Final-Round Momentum Slips Away
Alker’s closing round contained five birdies and five bogeys.
After three opening pars, he birdied the par-five fourth before dropping shots at the fifth and sixth.
Back-to-back birdies at seven and eight helped him turn in one-under 35, but more trouble followed on the back nine.
Bogeys at 13 and 15 pushed him over par for the round before birdies at 16 and 17 briefly restored momentum.
A closing bogey at the par-five 18th left him with 72 and a share of 10th alongside Stewart Cink, Bo Van Pelt, Steve Allan and Michael Block.
It was a very different outcome from Alker’s dominant victory at the same venue last year, when he opened with a tournament-record 61 and eventually won by seven shots.
Fichardt Produces Dramatic Finish
Fichardt completed a remarkable week with an eagle at the final hole to secure his first PGA Tour Champions title.
The South African closed with an eight-under 64 to reach 22-under 194, edging Johnson by one.
Johnson also fired a 64 but could not erase the one-shot deficit he carried into the final round.
The decisive moment came at the par-five 18th, where Fichardt’s eagle ensured there would be no playoff.
His victory completed a stunning final 36 holes after he matched Alker’s tournament-record 61 in the second round.
Fichardt played those last two rounds in 19-under-par.
Alker Turns Attention To Season Finale
Alker’s top-10 finish continues another strong PGA Tour Champions season.
He has already collected four victories in 2026 at the Cologuard Classic, Rogers Charity Classic, The Ally Challenge and Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic.
His attempt to claim a fifth title now moves to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix.
The Simmons Bank Championship was the second of three Charles Schwab Cup Playoff events, with only the leading 36 players advancing to the season finale.
Alker entered Arkansas third in the standings and was already comfortably positioned to qualify.
The season-ending tournament will be played at Phoenix Country Club from 12–15 November, US dates.
Final Leaders
| Player | Position | Total | Final Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darren Fichardt | 1st | -22 (194) | 64 |
| Zach Johnson | 2nd | -21 (195) | 64 |
| Jerry Kelly | 3rd | -14 (202) | 67 |
| George McNeill | T4 | -13 (203) | 64 |
| Scott Hend | T4 | -13 (203) | 65 |
| Søren Kjeldsen | T4 | -13 (203) | 66 |
| Steven Alker | T10 | -11 (205) | 72 |
Another Strong Week For Alker
The title defence may have slipped away, but another top-10 finish keeps Alker’s strong season moving.
He now turns his attention to Phoenix, where one final opportunity remains to add another trophy — and potentially strengthen an already impressive Charles Schwab Cup campaign.
