Richard Bland shares what LIV Golf has done to his quality of play since joining

In a stunning display of skill, Richard Bland, a notable figure from the LIV Golf series, clinched the US Senior Open title at Newport Country Club on Monday. Bland’s thrilling victory, secured in a rain-delayed playoff against Hiroyuki Fujita, follows his recent win at the Senior PGA Championship, marking an impressive start to his senior golf career.

The 51-year-old golfer from Burton upon Trent now joins the ranks of Jack Nicklaus, Hale Irwin, Roger Chapman, and Colin Montgomerie as one of the few players to have won both the Senior PGA Championship and the US Senior Open.

Bland’s journey to the top has been a gradual one. He accumulated 479 starts before achieving his first and only victory on the DP World Tour at the British Masters in 2021, capping a two-decade-long career on the European Tour. Reflecting on his recent successes, Bland attributes his late-career renaissance to the competitive environment of the LIV Golf series, which he joined in 2022.

“I’m a far better golfer now, thanks to the level of competition in LIV Golf,” Bland told Golf Monthly. “Playing against top-tier players like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Cam Smith, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka has pushed me to elevate my game. Competing with such talent demands my A game; anything less simply won’t suffice. This intense competition has transformed me into the best player I’ve ever been.”

Bland’s victories have also been personally significant as his brother Heath battles cancer. Heath, who has been fighting the disease for years, is set to undergo surgery to remove a lung tumor. Bland revealed that he plans to give his brother the PGA Championship trophy as a symbol of support, though he will keep the US Senior Open trophy for himself.

“My brother has been in our thoughts throughout his tough battle,” Bland said. “It’s been a challenging 15-16 months for him and our family. I’m hopeful the upcoming surgery will be successful. Winning the PGA was special, and I’ve always intended to give that trophy to him. However, the US Senior Open trophy is one I’ll keep for myself and my wife. I’m eager to return home and reunite with my family after being away for four weeks.”

Bland’s latest achievements highlight his remarkable comeback and underscore the positive impact of his involvement in LIV Golf, as he continues to excel in his professional golf career.