Alker's round, which included five bogeys and a birdie, left him a share of 96th today in a watered-down field at the Trump International Golf Club. New Zealanders Tim Wilkinson and Danny Lee aren't playing in Puerto Rico.
Alker, who has struggled in his first season on the PGA Tour since 2003, came in to the event in 173rd on the FedEx Cup standings.
American Mark Hubbard is the first-round leader in Puerto Rico after he signed for a four-under 68. A trio of players are one stroke back at three-under.
The world's elite are playing in the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship event in Florida this week where American J.B Holmes fired a 10-under 62 during the first round to hold a four-shot lead over countryman Ryan Moore.
