LIV Golf’s Lure: Richard Bland’s Unexpected Windfall

Golf veteran Richard Bland has made a remarkable financial leap by joining LIV Golf, a decision driven by the substantial earnings the Saudi-backed tour offers. Bland has candidly acknowledged that his motivation was purely financial. The 51-year-old Englishman has amassed over $11.5 million since joining LIV Golf, a stark contrast to his earnings from 511 tournaments on the DP World Tour.

Bland’s success on the LIV circuit is noteworthy, with $3.5 million in his inaugural season, more than $4.4 million in 2023, and an additional $2.3 million in 2024. This includes a $630,000 prize from his senior PGA win and $800,000 from the US Senior Open. Reflecting on his decision, Bland told Golf Monthly, “That was purely why I did it. I wasn’t trying to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes. I was honest and upfront about joining LIV purely for the money.”

Bland’s frankness stands out amid the controversy surrounding LIV Golf’s financial enticements. Unlike stars like Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm, who received nine-figure signing bonuses, Bland did not receive any upfront money. He explained, “As I’ve said many times, LIV didn’t offer me a dollar; it was purely the opportunity to play. I had to perform well enough to stay on LIV.”

Despite this, Bland holds no resentment towards his more lucrative peers, acknowledging their higher standing in the golfing world. “I didn’t sign for one penny and that was fine. I don’t begrudge the guys that signed for tens of millions; they’ve earned it. They’ve been at the sharp end of golf and in the top rankings for a lot longer than I was.”

Bland’s modest approach is reflected in his comparison of his status to that of the golfing elite. “Those guys, the DJs and the Brookses and the Brysons, have been top 10 in the world for probably a decade. Me buzzing around 50th for 6-9 months is a little different. I was just thankful that they believed in me and gave me the opportunity, and hopefully, I’ve repaid that.”

Bland’s journey highlights the stark financial contrasts within professional golf and underscores the significant impact LIV Golf has had on players seeking to secure their financial futures.