Sterne wins Antwerp title to end 13-year drought

South African Richard Sterne made a late surge to win by two strokes in Antwerp and clinch his first European Tour title in 13 years on Sunday.

Richard Sterne came back from FIVE behind to win the 2026 Soudal Open 🏆#SoudalOpen pic.twitter.com/JvtB2hinau
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) May 24, 2026

Sterne hit an astonishing approach shot on the 17th hole to set up a short putt for eagle and pulled away from the chasing pack.

He shot a closing round of 66 to finish 18-under for the tournament and win his first title since the 2013 Joburg Open, after a difficult time with injuries.

"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," said Sterne.

"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."

Fellow South African Zander Lombard led for most of the final round but crumbled on the back nine, making two bogeys and a double-bogey in the space of four holes.

Six players tied for second place on 16-under, while Lombard finished another stroke adrift.

The 44-year-old Sterne lost several years of his career to injuries, undergoing a hip operation and three wrist surgeries. He also has a titanium disc in his lower back.

"They were hard times, I didn't think I was going to get through a lot of them," said Sterne.

"I've been through it all so I'm pretty happy. It's been very tough, the last couple of years, but there's been some signs of good things."