Steven Alderson made history in Spain, becoming the first autistic player to win a G4D Tour title with an emotional victory at the G4D Tour @ Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters.
Alderson secured his nine-shot victory after a steady round of 70 at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, finishing the tournament at seven under par.
Entering the final day with a two-shot lead, Alderson, affectionately known as “Spud,” put on a commanding display, leaving his competitors trailing behind.
This win adds to Alderson’s growing list of achievements, having recently claimed the South Australian All Abilities Championship and several other notable victories, including the 2020 South Australian Mid Amateur Men’s Championship and the 2022 Webex Players Series South Australia.
Despite his success, Alderson’s journey to the top hasn’t been without challenges.
Reflecting on his struggles, Alderson fought back tears as he recounted the bullying he endured because of his autism, both in school and at golf clubs.
“I’m so proud,” he said. “Just growing up as a kid and being bullied all the time at school and even bullied at other golf clubs, it just means the world. I’m on top the world, it’s just amazing.
“Getting the opportunity to play out of the country representing not only Australia but representing the people back home, it’s just awesome.”
With this victory, Alderson earned a spot in the season-ending G4D Tour Series Finale @ DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, where he’ll have the chance to further cement his legacy on the global stage.
Alderson extended heartfelt thanks to his supporters, including his parents, his sponsors Rob and Sarah of Gully Winds Wine, and his dedicated caddie, Trent Blucher.
“I’ve got to thank mum and dad all the way,” he said. “And my sponsors back in Willunga, Gully Winds Wine. A great couple Rob and Sarah, they’re probably awake now, thank you.”I’ve got to thank my caddie Trent (Blucher), without him this is not happening. And I’ve got to thank Willunga Golf Club as well back at home, just a great golf club to be a part of.
“It (Sotogrande) is a fantastic, fantastic golf course and the people here are just really friendly and inviting, it’s a great country.”
Alderson’s win was sealed by a crucial eagle on the second hole, followed by three birdies and a single bogey.
Despite facing a challenging double bogey on the 15th hole, a long putt salvaged the round and helped him regain his momentum.
“I’ve worked hard on my game the past couple of weeks and worked really hard in my practice round,” he said. “We stuck to the game-plan even when we hit a couple of bad shots down the stretch.
“We just tried to get it back in play which didn’t quite happen but one long putt helps. My caddie Trent has just been awesome all the way this week. Staying in the moment, especially when we had that double on that hole, Trent was really good because years ago I just would have blown up and probably broke a club or thrown my bag or something like that.
“It was really good to stay in the moment and stay positive and just try and get it out of the bunker and not rack up an eight or a nine. Holing that monster putt for double just makes it better.
“That was probably my most important putt in this tournament, it was more important than a birdie putt or my chip-in yesterday.”
Italian Davide Fasci shot the best round of the day, a 68, tying for second place with Frenchman Mathieu Lebon, who ended with a 77.
The G4D Tour season will conclude with the G4D Tour Series Finale @ DP World Tour Championship in Dubai from November 11-13.
