Steve Alker is a name synonymous with New Zealand golf and
over the next two weeks he is aiming to claim both his national titles.

A regular in the US, during his career Alker has played on both the PGA TOUR and Web.com Tour where he has recorded four victories, one of those coming at the NZ PGA Championship when it was co-sanctioned.

A break in his overseas commitments has allowed Alker the opportunity to come home and he will play this week at Remuera Golf Club for the Holden NZ PGA Championship as well as the BMW ISPS New Zealand Open in Queenstown next week.

"I had time off in the US, for a couple of weeks so I thought I would keep my game in shape. I obviously like coming back and playing and seeing some family so it was a good time to do it," said Alker who last competed at the NZ PGA Championship in 2013 and the New Zealand Open in 2010.  

"I have won the PGA before so any time you can get back and play a tournament you have won is great."

"Then the New Zealand Open I always try and make an effort to play if I can, scheduling really determines that."

"I just really enjoying coming back and playing in New Zealand. I have been in the States for so long now."

This year Alker is eying the double and is hoping that his recent good form will enable him to take out back-to-back victories in New Zealand.

 "A win at the NZ PGA and the NZ Open that would be fantastic," added Alker.

"The PGA is an old trophy and to have my name on that is fantastic."

"I haven’t quite got across the line at the Open. Everyone wants to win their country’s Open, so that would be huge."

"I am just trying to build up for that, if I can take a win at the NZ PGA too that would be extra special," continued Alker who in his last start finished 6^th at the Colombia Championship on the Web.com Tour.      

"My game has been in pretty decent shape so if I keep it in that shape the results will take care of themselves."

While many players feel the weight of expectation playing at home for the first time in few years, Alker is taking it all in his stride.  

"I don’t feel any extra pressure; I’m still playing the same game and I am home," added Alker.

"I think that actually helps in a way, because I feel more relaxed playing in front of friends and family in my home country."

Steve Alker teed off in round one of the Holden NZ PGA Championship at 8.10am local time playing alongside Steven Jeffress and David Bransdon.