Golf Series: Steven Alderson
The third edition of The G4D Open took place in May and attracted 80 players from 20 countries in nine Sport Classes across the disability spectrum, including a number of players with neurodiversity. One such player, Steven Alderson from Australia, made quite an impact both on the fairways and greens of the Duchess Course, Woburn, but also ‘outside the ropes’ of the championship, as he and his caddie and friend Trent Blucher were happy to engage with the media to increase awareness of conditions such as autism.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. The UK’s National Autistic Society states: “Being autistic means you may feel things and react to them differently to non-autistic people. You may find socialising confusing or tiring, and you may become overwhelmed in loud or busy places. You may have intense interests, prefer order and routine, and use repeated movements or actions to calm yourself or express joy.”
Using sport, and in this case golf as a platform, Steven and Trent seek more tolerance and understanding from the wider public for those with the condition, while they also want to demonstrate just how beneficial golf can be for everyone’s mental and physical health, how it can free up all its players through a great game in a safe environment.
Steven (nicknamed ‘Spud’ for his largely potato-based diet), is a fine golfer in his own right, the 44-year-old having shot to prominence with his victory on the G4D Tour at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters back in October 2024.
Then, after an emotional post-round victory speech in which Steven spoke about suffering years of bullying due to his autism, he found he had become something of a local hero back home in Australia, now happily signing the odd crisp packet for young sports fans wherever he goes. Features and interviews for media outlets including the Daily Mail, Australian Golf Digest, the Australian Broadcasting Company, CNN and more, all followed the win.
The G4D Open (May 15-17) – an event staged by The R&A in partnership with the DP World Tour, supported by EDGA – coincided with Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK this year, so it was great that Steven and Trent, a local businessman in South Australia and friend of the family, could share their story further at this time.
