Author: Mathieu Wood
Sometimes things happen that transcend sports.
Steven Alderson made his historic G4D Tour debut at last month’s Estrella Damm NA Andalucía Masters Speaking after the victory, he certainly did.
Steven Alderson poses with his caddy Trent Blucher after winning the G4D Tour of Spain
The Australian, affectionately known as “Spud” due to his various food allergies growing up, has a passion for potatoes. He held back tears as he reflected on his challenging journey to becoming the first autistic player to win a G4D Tour event.
“Growing up, I was always bullied in school and even at other golf clubs, which means winning a world championship here,” he said in his victory speech at the Royal Golf Club in Sotogrande, Spain.
Launched in 2022 in partnership between DP World Tour and EDGA, the G4D Tour aims to inspire inclusivity and showcase talent on the international stage.
Yes, there was competition, but it was so much more than that, and if there was ever a moment that highlighted the power of unity in sport, this was it.
With his victory, Alderson became a cult hero in his hometown overnight and his name became known around the world.
Now, after enjoying his moment in the spotlight and returning to competitive action, the 44-year-old is part of the top ten squad at the G4D Tour Series Finals in Dubai.
Despite his success in recent years, particularly in his home country, what has happened in recent weeks has exceeded his wildest expectations.
“I am very grateful to the EDGA and DP World Tour for providing the platform for the G4D Tour,” he said in an interview with DP World Tour.
“I didn't expect that I would get a chance to play so soon. I thought I would have to wait three or four years, but I played well in Australia and it helped my ranking.
“But when I heard that I had received the invitation to Sotogrande, I almost fell out of bed.”
But taking that chance is another thing entirely, and that's what he did in net.
“I just went to this event to have fun, meet new people and do my best,” he said.
“Just being in a different country provides me with the opportunity to experience different cultures.”
Alderson shot 67 and 70 against a 1.4 handicap to win by nine strokes.
His caddy, Trent Blucher, played a major role in the victory, with the pair first meeting at Blackwood Golf Club in South Australia more than two decades ago.
As a professional mentor at the time, Blücher instilled belief and drive in Alderson over the next few years, helping him achieve his long-term goal of playing at an Australian Q-school.
While it may not have been a successful visit, the two men's friendship has long since been strengthened, and Blücher is excited to see Alderson flourish and think long and hard about the impact he can have on people with disabilities.
“I’m really proud of Spud,” Blucher said. “I went to Spain to help my friends, really. I really went.
“When he turned on his phone after returning from Sotogrande, he realized that his award-winner interview had gone viral, and during the subsequent TV interview, he didn’t look at me and asked me if I could get some food from Callaway, KFC or Other companies offered him $50,000 in sponsorship.
“He said to me, 'Do you think I could be an autism ambassador?'
“I have a very strong sense of community and when he says I’m glued together – I’m with him for the long haul.
“All Spud wanted to do was wake up and go play golf. That's what he said to me when we met 20 years ago, and that's what he says to me today.”
Alderson, a member of Willunga Golf Club in Adelaide's south, first started playing golf at the age of five and is now gaining momentum.
Late last month, he successfully defended his Webex All Abilities Willunga title, finishing three strokes ahead of G4D Tour player Wayne Perske.
Alderson can't wait to try for more trophies in the climax of the G4D Tour season at Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course on Monday and Wednesday.
“The G4D Tour Series Final is another great opportunity,” he said.
“I started researching golf courses on YouTube two weeks ago. The tee boxes look pretty wide again, which might help my game.
“There's a lot of bunker and my technique is really good, so I have to work on my game plan and hopefully we can get the job done again.”
With the event taking place in the same week as the DP World Tour Championship, Alderson is looking forward to competing alongside some of the sport's global stars.
“I’d love to meet guys like Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott face to face and hopefully they’ll see some of the things I do,” Alderson said.
“I like to be nice to people, so people are nice to me.
“We’ll stay until Thursday so we can play the first round of the DP World Tour Championship, which I think is a big part of the experience.”
McIlroy & Co. will play for the $10 million purse, while Alderson will play for other goals.
Alderson was only diagnosed with autism in 2014, when he was just 34. Doctors and psychiatrists previously dismissed him as a naughty child, but Alderson is glad his story has touched a chord. Heartstrings.
“I was overjoyed by the information I received,” he reflects.
“I feel like I’ve touched a lot of people in the world.
“I don’t know these people personally, but they took the time to reach out to me and congratulate me, and that created a connection.”
