Michael Block's Champions Tour victory bid falls short again as Steven Alker wins Lehigh Valley

Michael Block, the Southern California club pro, again fell short in his bid for a Champions Tour victory, according to www.golfdigest.com.

The loss came at the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic at Lehigh Country Club in Allentown, Pa., where Block entered the final round with a one-shot advantage. He played his first 10 holes in one over par and never had any momentum, but birdies on 16 and 17 gave him a chance. A bogey on the last hole ended his hopes, leaving him two shots behind the winner.

It was his second consecutive close call on the senior circuit, though the specific details of his previous near-miss are not in the source.

ALKER'S FINAL-ROUND CHARGE

Steven Alker was the one who capitalized, claiming the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic for his third senior title in his last four starts, according to www.golfdigest.com.

Alker made six birdies and shot a 66 in the final round to overtake Block. The event took place at Lehigh Country Club in Allentown, Pa.

While Block stumbled early, playing his first 10 holes in one over par and never finding momentum, Alker surged. Block did birdie 16 and 17 to give himself a chance, but a bogey on the last hole ended his hopes, leaving him two shots behind the winner.

BLOCK'S SEASON SO FAR

The numbers tell a story of consistency without a breakthrough. Block now has four top-10 finishes in seven senior starts this season, per www.golfdigest.com.