Steven Alker Sets NI Legends Pace With Opening 67

Steven Alker produced a 5-under-par 67 in blustery conditions at Galgorm to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the NI Legends.

The 55-year-old New Zealander birdied his final three holes to move clear of Thomas Gögele, Bradley Dredge, Mark Brown and David Drysdale, who each opened with rounds of 68 in Co. Antrim.

Alker entered the Staysure Legends Tour event after winning consecutive PGA Tour Champions titles. He defeated Y.E. Yang in a playoff at the Rogers Charity Classic before overturning a two-shot deficit to win The Ally Challenge by three strokes.

Despite dropping a shot at the first, Alker made seven birdies during his round. His late surge gave him the outright lead as he seeks his first Staysure Legends Tour victory since the 2024 WCM Mexico Senior Open.

“This is my fourth week in a row, normally three’s my max, but it’s great to be here and playing another week,” Alker said. “I think my game is just getting sharper as I play each week. My putting’s solid, I’m driving the ball pretty well. When you do those two things, you’re going to score okay.”

Alker said maintaining the same swing feelings and concentrating on his routine had helped him extend his run of form.

“When you’re in a stretch like this, you don’t really think about it, you just focus on your process,” he said. “So it’s just about keeping those feelings, not thinking about winning, that’s hard sometimes, and just going out and enjoying the game.”

Alker leads the way 👏

Steven Alker opens with a 67 at NI Legends to set the pace after round one.

Three birdies in his final four holes to finish the day on top.

Register for FREE tickets via the link in bio 🔗#StaysureLegendsTour #NILegends pic.twitter.com/oIti5Q9gLl

— Legends Tour (@euLegendsTour) September 4, 2026

Dredge’s New Fade Pays Off

Dredge made four birdies on Galgorm’s front nine to join the group one behind. The two-time DP World Tour winner has recorded three top-20 finishes from four starts this season, including a tie for sixth at last week’s Staysure English Legends.

The Welshman has changed his preferred shape from the tee and fitted new shafts to his irons. Although the fade costs him between 10 and 15 yards with the driver, he believes the change is helping him find more fairways.

“I’ve always been a bit inconsistent off the tee, so when I was practising and looking at the numbers I just felt that this swing wasn’t going to draw the ball, so I decided to just play the fade,” Dredge said.

Brown, who has finished inside the top-10 in each of his past three starts, joined Gögele and Drysdale at 4-under.

Johan Edfors began birdie-eagle-birdie to reach 4-under after only three holes. The OFX Irish Legends winner then slipped back, signing for a 2-under 70.

Defending champion Markus Brier opened with a 73. Home players Gary Murphy and Cameron Clark each returned 74, while Damian Mooney carded a 75.

The second round begins at 07:45 on Saturday. Admission is free, with the spectator village offering an interactive golf zone, simulator, mini golf and family activities throughout the weekend.

Related: PING Launches Europe’s 2026 Solheim Cup Team Collection

Supporters can buy the competition-day designs created for Anna Nordqvist’s side.

For the latest news in the golfing world, follow us on X.