Events
Steven Alker Focused on Defending Insperity Invitational Title in The Woodlands
THE WOODLANDS, TX—The newest star of the PGA TOUR Champions, Steven Alker, is first to add his name to the tee sheet for the 20th anniversary of the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare, April 24-30, 2023.
Alker notched four PGA TOUR Champions titles including the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare in 2022 to go along with four second-place finishes and 18 top-10s en route to capturing the season-long Charles Schwab Cup title.
“It’s been a fun ride and I’m just so happy to be out here on Tour. Everything has come around and I’m enjoying my game,” said Alker.
Mother Nature couldn’t even slow Steven Alker down in The Woodlands last year.
The Kiwi returned to The Woodlands Country Club Tournament Course from a two-hour Sunday rain delay by playing a six-hole stretch in 6-under par on the back nine to outduel Steve Stricker and win the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare on Sunday for his second of three victories on the PGA TOUR Champions in 2022.
“I actually watched some footage up in the clubhouse (during the rain delay) and just changed my ball position and felt a little more on top of the ball. Just a tiny little thing and I started hitting some nice shots and driving it better,” said Alker. “I thank goodness we did have a little break because I kind of struggled, missed a few fairways early on and made some nice putts, kept me going. Then I got my roll going.”
Alker has been on a sizzling run since Monday qualifying for his first event – Boeing Classic – in August 2021 where he finished T7. With the top 10, the New Zealander got into the following event and then recorded six straight top-10s before notching his maiden victory at the TimberTech Championship.
“Steven has been a wonderful ambassador for our tournament and the PGA TOUR Champions. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the Tournament’s 20th anniversary celebration than by welcoming him back to The Woodlands,” said Bryan Naugle, Executive Director, Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare.
“Once again Houston area golf fans will be treated to an incredible show at the end of April that will include golf’s legends, World Golf Hall of Famers, and new stars on the PGA TOUR Champions like Steven who have already started booking their tickets for our event.”
A list of memorable activations to celebrate the 20th playing of the award-winning tournament in The Woodlands are currently being finalized including a special Opening Ceremony, Fuzzy’s Vodka Outdrive John Daly competition, and “Share My Passion” Girls Clinic with Annika.
Fuzzy’s Vodka Outdrive John Daly
For the sixth time, the Insperity Invitational will qualify up to 12 competitors to try and out drive John Daly after the first round of play on April 28. The event, hosted by Fuzzy Zoeller, is a fan favorite and gives fans the chance to bear witness to some of the longest hitters in the Houston area. Whoever out drives John Daly and beats their fellow competitors will win a trip for four, hosted by Fuzzy Zoeller, to play golf at Naples National in the winter. The trip includes airfare, lodging, golf.
The Tournament will host local qualifiers at public venues where the winner of each will get the chance to take down Long John Daly. The finals will take place on Friday, April 28 immediately after the first round of the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare. Estimated start time will be 5:15 PM.
FINAL QUALIFYING SITES – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
PGA TOUR Superstore (Galleria, Katy, and Woodlands Locations) – March 24 – April 16
“Share My Passion” Girls Clinic with Annika
The Insperity Invitational will partner with the Annika Foundation to offer young girls the opportunity to learn from one of the best golfers to ever play the game, Annika Sorenstam.
This unique event asks girls (ages 6-14) to record a video or write an ‘open letter’ to Annika telling her why you love golf and why other girls should learn how to play. The authors of the 50 most compelling letters or videos will be invited to attend the ‘Share My Passion’ Girls Golf Clinic at no cost. It will be held during the final round of the Insperity Invitational on Sunday, April 30 at The Woodlands Country Club Tournament Course.
The day will begin with lunch as the last groups begin their final round. Following the last tee time, the girls will make their way to the driving range to learn from Annika and other local teaching professionals.
To submit an application, please visit: www.insperityinvitational.com/tournament-information/about-us-2.
“We are committed to not only ensuring Houston area golf fans have the opportunity to watch many of the best names in the game, but also to continue finding innovative ways to introduce more people to our event, while delivering a memorable experience for all ages to enjoy,” added Naugle. “These events promise to bring another level of excitement to Tournament week while connecting the community with golf’s stars through an entertaining series of events that has something for everyone.”
About the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare
A PGA TOUR Champions event, the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare features the world’s premier golfers age 50 and older. With the support of its Official Sponsors: Woodforest National Bank, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Alfa Romeo, Pepsi, Sports Radio 610, National Car Rental and Folds of Honor, the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare is managed and operated by Pro Links Sports. In 2008, the tournament received the prestigious Presidents Award as the best event on the Champions Tour, and in 2011 received the President’s Award for Excellence in Achievement. In 2012 and 2015, the tournament received The Players Award for having the “best of everything” for the players, sponsors and spectators. Interfaith of The Woodlands, one of the local charities benefitting from the tournament, was named the 2016 PGA TOUR Champions Charity of the Year. Past champions include Larry Nelson, Jay Haas, Mark McNulty, four-time winner Bernhard Langer, John Cook, Fred Couples, Brad Faxon, Fred Funk, Esteban Toledo, Ian Woosnam, John Daly, Scott McCarron, Mike Weir and Steven Alker. For more information about the Tradition of Excellence at the Insperity Invitational, visit www.insperityinvitational.com, on Instagram @insperityinvitational, Twitter @InsperityInvtnl, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/insperityinvitational.
About Insperity
Since 1986, Insperity’s mission has been to help businesses succeed so communities prosper. Offering the most comprehensive suite of scalable HR solutions available in the marketplace, Insperity is defined by an unrivaled breadth and depth of services and level of care. Through an optimal blend of premium HR service and technology, Insperity delivers the administrative relief, reduced liabilities and better benefit solutions that businesses need for sustained growth. With 2022 revenues of $5.9 billion and more than 90 locations throughout the U.S., Insperity is currently making a difference in thousands of businesses and communities nationwide. For more information, visit www.insperity.com .
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.5 million physicians and care professionals, and 7,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter.
0 comments