South African pro Richard Sterne fired a bogey-free five-under 67 to break the course record and take the early lead at the Nexo Championship 2025 at Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen.
Sterne battled challenging wind conditions but kept a flawless card—his precision play yielding five birdies and setting him one shot ahead of rivals Thomas Aiken, Louis Albertse, and Andreas Halvorsen. The six-time DP World Tour winner’s round could net him a $10,000 bonus if his mark stands through the week, thanks to a new DP World Tour initiative.
Despite past struggles and multiple wrist/back surgeries, Sterne hopes this strong start marks his return to form this season. His story and performance showcase resilience, skill in tough conditions, and expert course management.
Follow for tournament highlights, expert analysis of Sterne’s comeback, and round-by-round updates from the Nexo Championship.
When it comes to resilience on the golf course, Richard Stern isn’t just playing the game, he’s defying the odds. At the Nexo Championship, the 43-year-old South African delivered a masterclass in grit, carting a bogey-free 67 to seize the early lead. But here’s where it gets controversial. How does a player with a titanium disc in his lower back and a history of three wrist surgeries even think about competing at this level? Stern’s story isn’t just about golf. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome physical limits. And this is the part most people miss. The real battle isn’t on the course. It’s in the operating room and the recovery room. Stern’s opening round at Trump International Golf Links was a blend of precision and audacity. He birdied three of the four pars and navigated the windswept dunes of the mean estate with a calm that belied the chaos of his recent past. “How long have you got?” He joked when asked about his medical history, a question that could fill a textbook. Three wrist surgeries since 2020, a titanium disc in his lower back, and 22 months without swinging a club. That’s not just a career setback. It’s a full-blown war against time and pain. Stern’s journey is a roller coaster of medical drama. His wrist, once a victim of a torn scaffoid ligament and a shredded triangular fibroarilage complex, TFCC, required multiple operations. The TFCC, for the uninitiated, is a delicate wrist structure that’s a nightmare to repair. Imagine trying to stitch a frayed shoelace while blindfolded. But Stern didn’t stop there. During his third wrist surgery, he decided to tackle his back. A decision that left him sidelined for 9 months. I was living on painkillers, he admitted. It wasn’t fun. Yet, he took the gamble and it paid off. His back recovered faster than expected, but the wrist, that was the real ticking time bomb. Stern’s comeback isn’t just a personal triumph. It’s a lesson in perseverance. This season, he’s played 14 events, but made only three cuts. Yet, here he is leading the Nexo Championship after a round that blended technical skill with sheer willpower. I enjoyed today, he said. If I can play like this for the rest of the year, maybe I can rebuild my confidence. His performance contrasts sharply with the chaos of his practice round earlier in the week where he lost eight balls to the wind. It was chaos, he laughed. Some guys quit after nine holes. I thought, bugger it, I’ll go and play. Meanwhile, the competition is heating up. Norway’s Andreas Halvorson carded a 68, including an Eagle on the seventh, while South Africa’s Thomas Akin and Lewis Alberts kept pace. Jordan Smith, a potential Rder Cup contender, opened with a 69, but with only the British Masters left to secure his spot, the odds are stacked. I’d need two wins or a win and a strong finish. Smith admitted, “It’s not impossible, but it’s going to be tough.” And then there’s John Catelyn, the American who surged to five under on the front nine before faltering on the back nine. His 71 was a reminder that even the most promising rounds can unravel in a heartbeat. Stern’s story raises a question worth debating. Is it worth the risk of multiple surgeries to return to competitive golf? Or does it push the limits of an athletes endurance? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Do you think Stern’s gamble was worth it, or is he playing with fire? Share your take below and let’s keep the conversation
