LIV’s Richard Bland wins Senior PGA in senior major debut

Richard Bland capitalized on his time off from LIV Golf in a significant way by winning the Senior PGA Championship in his senior major debut. Bland closed with an impressive 8-under 63, securing a three-shot victory at Harbor Shores.

The final round, delayed by about an hour due to storms, saw Bland hit a decisive shot on the par-5 15th. His approach to six feet resulted in an eagle, turning a one-shot deficit into a one-shot lead over Greg Chalmers, who could only manage a par. Bland maintained his lead with three pars after the storms cleared, marking his first win since the 2021 British Masters, a European tour title that set him on this extraordinary journey.

Bland discovered last year that the Senior PGA Championship offers a one-time exemption to European tour winners from the past five years. Unable to compete previously due to a schedule conflict with LIV Golf Bedminster, Bland inquired about this year’s event and received an invitation from the PGA of America.

Winning at the British Masters at age 48 was special for Bland, but this victory held significant meaning. “This is right up there. I couldn’t be happier,” Bland said. “I’m going to celebrate the hell out of this one.”

Bland’s victory by three shots over Richard Green, who finished second with a 65, was decisive. Green never posed a serious challenge. The real competition came from Chalmers, the left-handed Australian who led with four holes remaining. However, Chalmers could only par the 15th, missed the green and bogeyed the 16th, and dropped another shot on the 17th. He bogeyed the 18th, finishing with a 68.

Jason Caron, a club professional, tied for fourth with Scott Hend after posting a 66. Ernie Els, who was tied for the 54-hole lead with Chalmers, shot 70 and tied for sixth, still seeking his first senior major.

During the trophy presentation, Bland was emotional, thinking of his brother Heath, diagnosed with stomach cancer and recently with lung cancer. “I just wanted to win for him so bad,” Bland said through tears.

Bland’s performance included eight birdies in 12 holes, offsetting two bogeys, and an eagle on the 15th that sealed his lead. He finished at 17-under 267, earning exemption for the U.S. Senior Open from June 27-30 at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island, a week after competing in LIV Golf Nashville.

Bland’s future plans remain uncertain due to the PGA Tour’s ban on LIV Golf players. He is 25th on the LIV points list, not guaranteed a spot next year. “I don’t know how many doors this is going to open,” Bland said. “Obviously, I’m now committed to LIV.”

Since joining LIV Golf in June 2022, Bland has earned $9.8 million. His victory confirmed his competitiveness in the senior circuit. “This is my first event. I was interested to see if I brought my game how it would stack up against these guys,” he said. “Thankfully, it does.”

Defending champion Steve Stricker shot 68, finishing seven shots behind in eighth place.