Richard Bland Gets Cold Shoulder from PGA Tour Champions Despite Major Victory

Richard Bland, a veteran pro golfer and member of LIV Golf, recently had a great win in his first Senior PGA Championship. Despite this big win, Bland wasn’t given the usual exemption onto the PGA Tour Champions circuit because of his connection with LIV Golf. This led to a lot of debate and reactions from fans and fellow golfers.

Richard Bland, born on February 3, 1973, in Burton upon Trent, England, has had a long and varied career in professional golf. He turned pro in 1996 and spent many years competing on the European Tour, which is now called the DP World Tour. Bland’s dedication to the sport paid off in 2021 when he secured his first European Tour victory at the Betfred British Masters. He became the oldest first-time winner in the tour’s history at the age of 48.

In 2022, Richard Bland joined LIV Golf, a new tour that has attracted several high-profile golfers with its lucrative contracts and innovative format. His decision to join LIV Golf wasn’t met with universal approval, but Bland kept up his good work, winning lots of money and staying on top of his game.

Once he turned 50, Richard Bland was eligible to compete on the senior PGA circuit. He got a one-time special exemption from the PGA of America to play in the 2024 Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores Golf Club in Michigan. In his first senior event, Bland played really well, shooting an 8-under 63 in the final round to win by three shots. This win was not only his first senior title, but also a testament to his skill and determination.

Richard Bland Denied Exemption Due To LIV Golf Affiliation

Typically, the winner of the Senior PGA Championship is granted a one-year exemption onto the PGA Tour Champions circuit, allowing them to compete in regular season events. However, Bland’s affiliation with LIV Golf complicated matters. The PGA Tour has taken a firm stance against players who participate in unauthorized events, and Bland’s association with LIV Golf rendered him ineligible for the customary exemption.

In a statement, the PGA Tour confirmed:

“In spite of the win, because of competing in an unauthorized event by the PGA Tour, [Bland] will be ineligible for Tour-affiliated events. The PGA of America, USGA, and R&A each operate based on criteria of their own.”

Bland expressed his disappointment but remained committed to his path. “I don’t know how many doors this is going to open,” Bland said after his victory. “Obviously, I’m now committed to LIV.”

The decision to deny Richard Bland the exemption has sparked a heated debate among golf fans and commentators. Many took to social media to express their opinions, with reactions ranging from support for Bland to criticism of the PGA Tour’s policies.

One fan tweeted, “What a joke. Richard Bland wins a major senior event and still gets snubbed because of LIV Golf. The PGA Tour needs to rethink its stance.”

Another commented, “Very dividing. It’s sad to see a great player like Bland being punished for his choices. He earned that exemption fair and square.”

Others, however, supported the PGA Tour’s decision.

“Rules are rules. If you choose to play for LIV, you have to accept the consequences,” one user wrote.

Another added, “The PGA Tour is protecting its brand and its players. Bland knew what he was getting into.”

Despite the hiccup, Richard Bland’s win at the Senior PGA Championship has secured him spots in next year’s Senior PGA and the U.S. Senior Open, both of which aren’t part of the PGA Tour Champions. This means Bland will still have chances to compete at a high level in senior majors, even if he can’t take part in regular season events.

Bland’s situation shows how the traditional golf tours and the new LIV Golf are still at odds with each other. As the landscape of professional golf keeps changing, players like Bland have to make some tough choices that affect their careers and opportunities.

Richard Bland’s win at the Senior PGA Championship is a testament to his skill and perseverance. However, the refusal to grant him an exemption because of his LIV Golf affiliation shows that the sport is facing some big challenges and controversies right now. As fans and players alike keep talking about these issues, Bland’s journey shows us that professional golf is a pretty complicated business.