“I Didn’t Think I Was Going to Get Through”: Richard Sterne Gets Emotional After Belgium Victory

May 25, 2026, 6:00 PM CUT

Oct 4, 2013; Dublin, OH, USA; Richard Sterne tees off on the first hole during the second round of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Richard Sterne overcame a 13-year title drought and multiple surgeries to win the 2026 Soudal Open. This emotional victory in Belgium marks a triumphant return for the 44-year-old after years of injury setbacks.

The experienced South African made the most of a meltdown from the three-round leader, Zander Lombard, at Rinkven International. Sterne produced a sensational 66 in the final round to close in on 18-under par.

A report by Golf Monthly highlighted how Sterne erased a hefty five-shot deficit on Sunday.

"I didn't think I was going to get through a lot of them. Three wrist ops, a disc replacement, hip surgery," he admitted after the victory.

Sterne further emphasized his massive relief regarding his unexpected performance on the DP World Tour, adding, "It's been a tough ride. A lot of injuries… but to get back in the winner's circle is… quite unexpected today."

The golfing veteran managed his nerves throughout to finish two strokes clear of the pack by playing steady rounds of 64, 68, 68, and 66 across four days.

The Journey Back to the Winner's Circle

This win marks Sterne's seventh DP World Tour title and comes after a painful title drought that has seen him go without a title for 13 years since winning the Joburg Open title in 2013.

Recurring injuries nearly ended Sterne's professional career over the last six years. Sterne has been held down by the injuries, threatening to end his professional golf career for over six years.

Reflecting on his grueling timeline, Sterne shared, "I've probably been out six or seven years with injuries. I've been out here 24 years, I think, but with those injuries, it's only been 16, 17 years."

The 44-year-old champion happily dedicated his emotional comeback to his family. The victory allowed Sterne's children to witness his success in person for the first time.

"One of the main goals was to win with my children actually seeing it," Sterne shared warmly. "The oldest is 13 soon, it's nice to eventually let them see me win."

Now, having demonstrated he still possesses winning abilities at the top level, Sterne moves on to his next tournament, while the rest of the golfing world watches to see if this revival of a veteran is just getting started.

Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav