Steven Alker leads PGA Tour Champions’ playoff opener

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Steven Alker shot a 9-under 63 on Friday to take the first-round lead in the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, the first of three PGA Tour Champions playoff events. Alker had a bogey-free round on The Country Club of Virginia’s James River Course, making nine birdies in a 12-hole stretch from No. 12 to No. 5.  The 50-year-old New Zealander is 55th in the season standings. Steve Flesch was a stroke back. Charles Schwab Cup points leader Bernhard Langer, the 2017 winner in Richmond, was three strokes back at 66 with Bob Estes, Stephen Ames, Doug Barron and Matt Gogel. Defending champion Phil Mickelson shot 71, making a double bogey in the par-3 fourth.