Richard Bland just won the US Senior Open, his second major win in two tries.
The 51-year-old golfer clinched victory in a playoff against Hiroyuki Fujita at Newport Country Club on Monday. Earlier this year, he also won the Senior PGA Championship.
Bland’s success in senior majors surpasses his single win during two decades on the European Tour. However, his world ranking has dropped since joining LIV Golf League last year.
Despite once being ranked as high as 48th globally, Bland insists he’s now a much better player due to competing with top players like Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson regularly. He believes playing against these champions has elevated his game significantly.
Improving Through Competition:
In the past two years with the 54-hole circuit, Bland has consistently finished within the top-24 players, ensuring his spot for future seasons. Reflecting on this journey, he credits his improved performance to joining LIV Golf in 2022. “Yeah, I’m a way better golfer than I was back then,” he said. Competing against elite players like Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka pushes him to bring his best game every time.
Fans might think it’s incredible how much he’s grown despite changing leagues .
Bland emphasized that playing alongside such high-caliber athletes forces him to elevate his own skills continuously. “I don’t care what the world ranking says,” he added confidently. His dedication over three years has made him feel like he’s at the peak of his abilities now.
Another driving force behind Bland’s determination is making his brother Heath proud. Heath has been battling cancer for several years and is set for lung surgery soon.
He often mentions Heath after victories and dedicated trophies from recent wins to him and their family members. After winning this latest major title, Bland shared that while one trophy will go to Heath, another will stay home with him and his wife.
“He’s always there kind of in the back of all our minds,” said Bland about Heath’s ongoing fight with cancer. The family recently received good news that upcoming surgery would be minimally invasive compared to previous operations that required long hospital stays.
Reflecting on their struggles over recent months, Bland expressed hope for a positive outcome from Heath’s next procedure: “We’re just praying that hopefully once this is gone—that’s it for him.”
Finally returning home after weeks away competing feels especially rewarding now: “I’m just looking forward to getting back home,” said Bland eagerly anticipating reuniting with loved ones soon enough!
What do you think about Richard’s journey?
