Richard Sterne achieved a remarkable comeback victory at the Soudal Open, marking his first DP World Tour win in 13 years, amidst Zander Lombard’s heartbreak of losing a four-stroke lead. Picture: ANDY LYONS / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP
Image: ANDY LYONS / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP
Richard Sterne secured a comeback for the ages with his stunning victory at the Soudal Open on Sunday, which was his first triumph on the DP World Tour (DPWT) in 13 years.
The 44-year-old has had a good part of his latter career derailed through various injuries since turning professional 25 years ago.
Having last tasted success on the DPWT in 2013, Sterne admitted afterwards that his victory in Belgium was a bit of a shock. Not since Tiger Woods won the 2019 Masters after an 11-year major drought has there been such a shock victory from a player considered to have his best days behind him.
In fact, coming down the final hole, he didn’t even realise he had the lead despite his brilliant eagle three at the 71st hole.
"It's been a tough ride. A lot of injuries, a lot of hard things that I've gone through, but to get back in the winner's circle is... quite unexpected today, to be honest. I thought I was one behind playing the last but then got on to the 18th green and had a quick look at the board and was quite surprised,” said Sterne after the round.
While SA fans would have been delighted to see Sterne win, it would have been bittersweet as Zander Lombard had seemed destined for his first DPWT win.
Lombard had led by four during the final round, after coming into the round with a three-stroke cushion. It was the seventh time Lombard had failed to convert a 54-hole lead into victory.
Lombard played his final nine in four-over to eventually settle in a tie for eighth.