PGA Tour shut down rumour as LIV Golf pro wins Senior PGA on debut

The PGA Tour has confirmed that English LIV Golf pro Richard Bland will not receive the customary one-year PGA Tour Champions exemption despite winning the Senior PGA Championship on Sunday. This update was provided by Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig on Twitter.

Bland, 51, delivered an impressive performance by closing with a stunning 63 on his senior debut, securing a three-stroke victory with a score of 17-under par at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores in Michigan.

Typically, winners of the Senior PGA Championship receive a one-year PGA Tour Champions exemption as a reward for their efforts. However, despite hopes from golf fans on social media that Bland would still be honored with this exemption, the PGA Tour has confirmed that he will not receive it due to his affiliation with LIV Golf.

All PGA Tour members who have joined LIV Golf since its inauguration in the summer of 2022 remain suspended from the North American circuit. Bland, who plays for Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks GC in the Saudi-bankrolled league, received an invite to the Senior PGA Championship from the PGA of America. He was able to participate because LIV Golf had a week off in its schedule.

For his victory at the 2024 Senior PGA Championship, Bland earned $630,000. Despite not receiving the exemption for the PGA Tour Champions, Bland may not be too disappointed, as he has amassed $9.8 million on the LIV Golf circuit since joining in 2022.

Sports Illustrated’s Harig confirmed that Bland will not be eligible for a one-year PGA Tour Champions exemption. However, Bland will be exempt for the US Senior Open at Newport Country Club (June 27-30) and The Senior Open at Carnoustie (July 25-28).

Harig reported via Twitter:

“Richard Bland’s win at the Senior PGA Championship will not come with the customary one-year PGA Tour Champions exemption because he is playing for LIV Golf. From the Tour: ‘In spite of the win, because of competing in an unauthorized event by the PGA TOUR, he will be ineligible for TOUR-affiliated events. The PGA of America, USGA and R&A each operate based on criteria of their own.'”

Bland won his sole DP World Tour title at the 2021 British Masters at The Belfry, becoming the oldest first-time winner on the circuit at the age of 48. He terminated his DP World Tour card last season.

In 2024, Bland has one top-10 finish in seven LIV Golf appearances, with a T8 in Hong Kong in March. The next LIV Golf event is scheduled to take place in Houston from June 7-9.