Alker Takes Lead at Boeing Classic After Solid Round

New Zealand's Steven Alker took the lead at the Boeing Classic golf tournament in Snoqualmie, Wash., firing a 4-under-par 68 on Saturday to move ahead of the pack. The 55-year-old made an early move with two birdies over his first three holes and finished strong with four birdies over his final eight.

This is Alker's second straight round at 68 or better, following a 67 on Friday. He now sits at 9-under 135 for the tournament, looking to claim his second win this season and first since the Cologuard Classic in March.

Alker acknowledged that he has been dealing with personal issues after a death in his family, but is slowly finding his footing. 'Everybody's got stuff going on off the golf course,' he said, 'but when you're dealing with death, it's a little bit different just to be in the right place mentally.'

American Vaughn Taylor matched Alker's score of 68 with five birdies and one bogey, landing him in second place at 8 under. Steve Flesch and Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen are tied for third at 7 under.