LIV pro wins second-straight senior major, credits LIV for improved play

Richard Bland, a seasoned LIV Golf professional, showcased remarkable resilience and skill at the U.S. Senior Open, held at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. Despite not frequently participating in four-day tournaments, Bland navigated an extended five-day event with aplomb, ultimately emerging victorious in a thrilling finish.

The final round, delayed by severe weather, required completion on Monday, during which Bland made an impressive comeback. Trailing Hiroyuki Fujita by three strokes, Bland managed to erase the deficit in just four holes. He took the lead for the first time in the championship with a birdie on the 15th hole, momentarily lost it on the 18th, but eventually triumphed in a sudden-death playoff after tying with Fujita in a two-hole aggregate playoff.

This victory marks Bland’s second consecutive senior major title, achieved in only his second PGA Tour Champions start. The English golfer, a founding member of a LIV Golf team, had earlier won the Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores with a stunning final-round 63. Despite being denied status on the PGA Tour Champions due to his LIV affiliation, his performance earned him exemptions into significant tournaments, including the U.S. Senior Open.

Reflecting on his success, Bland credited his time on the LIV circuit, which he believes elevated his game through constant competition against top-tier players like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Brooks Koepka. “Playing against the best in the world has made me a better golfer,” Bland stated.

Bland now faces a choice between pursuing a third consecutive senior major at the Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie or participating in LIV Golf’s UK event scheduled for the same weekend. His win at Newport also secured his spot in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont.

The final round saw Bland making a strong start with three consecutive birdies, positioning himself as a contender. Play was halted on Sunday due to storms, leaving Bland three strokes behind Fujita, who had played consistently until that point. When play resumed on Monday, Fujita stumbled with three bogeys in five holes, while Bland capitalized with back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th holes to seize the lead.

The drama peaked on Newport’s challenging 18th hole. Bland, playing ahead of Fujita, thought he had nailed a perfect drive, only for the wind to force his ball into a cross bunker. He managed a bogey, finishing at 13 under. Fujita, known for his short drives, found the fairway but was faced with a daunting 235-yard shot into the wind. He made an impressive approach with a 5-wood, setting up a two-putt par to force a playoff.

In the playoff, both players parred the 10th and 18th holes, leading to a sudden death back at the 18th. On their fourth play of the hole, Bland drove past the cross bunker, while Fujita’s pulled drive forced him to lay up. Bland’s subsequent bunker shot nearly holed out, setting up a tap-in for victory. Fujita’s attempt to tie came close but failed, cementing Bland’s status as the U.S. Senior Open champion.

Reflecting on the decisive moment, Bland expressed confidence in his approach, noting, “I wanted to be fully committed. Even if my shot pitched a few feet past the hole, I knew it would spin.”

Bland’s victory not only highlights his golfing prowess but also underscores the competitive edge honed through his involvement with LIV Golf.