Steven Alderson is an accomplished golfer, one who’s stockpiling victories on his resume.
Less than a month ago, the 44-year-old captured the South Australian All Abilities Championship, winning by a full three strokes. In 2023, he captured the Webex Players Series South Australia, and back in 2020, he was the winner of the South Australian Mid Amateur Men’s Championship.
But on Tuesday, his victory at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande came with an even greater significance. The Australian’s nine-shot victory at the G4D Tour @ Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters marked the first time in the tour’s history that an autistic player claimed a crown.
“Just amazing,” he said while fighting back tears. “I’ve got to thank mum and dad all the way.”
“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 to win here.”
An emotional Steven Alderson looks back at a life-changing week in Andalucia. This is what it’s all about. 🧡#G4DTour | #EDAM2024 pic.twitter.com/KWcqJ6tYq7
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 15, 2024
With the victory, Alderson earns a berth into the G4D Tour Series Finale @ DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. It’s something he put in perspective after the victory, especially after noting he’s been bullied during his days on and off the golf course.
“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 of the world. It’s just amazing.”
Alderson, who plays off a 1.4 handicap, is a member at Willunga Golf Club, just south of Adelaide, but he felt right at home in his Spanish surroundings while
“(Sotogrande) is a fantastic, fantastic golf course and the people here are just really friendly and inviting,” he said. “It’s a great country.”
So what’s next? Aside from the invite to Dubai, Alderson is pining for a chance to play in the pro-am at the LIV Golf Adelaide event in February.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Watching this once-bullied autistic Aussie’s interview after a historic win at Sotogrande is truly emotional
