Richard Bland Responds to PGA Tour’s Denial of Champions Tour Access Following LIV Golf Involvement

Richard Bland Responds to PGA Tour’s Denial of Champions Tour Access Following LIV Golf Involvement

Richard Bland, a prominent figure on the LIV Golf tour, has openly addressed his reaction to the PGA Tour’s recent decision to deny him access to the Champions Tour. The announcement came after Bland’s impressive victory at the Senior PGA Championship held at Harbor Shores Golf Club in May, where he secured his first senior major title. This win was expected to grant him entry into the Champions Tour, but the PGA Tour’s refusal has not dampened Bland’s spirits.

 

Bland, who also clinched the US Senior Open at Newport Country Club just a month after his Senior PGA Championship win, was anticipated to receive an exemption to compete in the Champions Tour as part of the perks for his major victory. This exemption would have allowed him to participate in the senior circuit and possibly gain further accolades. However, the PGA Tour’s decision to reject his entry has sparked some controversy, particularly as Bland had never been a member of the PGA Tour, having spent most of his career on the DP World Tour in Europe.

 

Despite the PGA Tour’s decision, which came in response to Bland’s association with LIV Golf, Bland remains unperturbed. The PGA Tour’s stance was influenced by Bland’s commitment to LIV Golf, which has led to his exclusion from the Champions Tour. Nevertheless, Bland has expressed that the denial has not impacted him emotionally. “I didn’t lose any sleep over that decision,” Bland stated with a sense of resolve. He emphasized his contentment with his current role in LIV Golf and reiterated his satisfaction with the schedule and playing conditions he enjoys with the league. Bland pointed out that his primary focus is on LIV Golf and that had he not been involved with LIV, his perspective might have been different.

 

For Bland, the LIV Golf setup aligns perfectly with his current preferences and professional goals. He stated, “LIV is where I want to be. I have no desire to go and play [the Champions Tour]. I like where I am playing, what schedule I have. I don’t particularly want to play full-time in America.” His comments reflect a clear sense of fulfillment with his current arrangement and a lack of regret over the PGA Tour’s decision.

 

Bland’s situation was further complicated by his inability to participate in the Senior Open at Carnoustie, an event often considered a significant opportunity in the senior golf circuit. The Senior Open, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, found Bland ineligible due to outstanding fines related to his participation in LIV Golf events while he was a member of the DP World Tour. This fine, along with his commitment to LIV Golf, meant that Bland was unable to compete in the Senior Open, even if he had been granted a release.

 

Addressing the speculation that LIV Golf may have prohibited him from seeking a release for the Senior Open, Bland clarified that this was not the case. He revealed, “There were rumors that LIV didn’t allow me a release to go and play. The truth is I didn’t even ask for a release. Even if it was possible, I’d still be here. This is my priority.” Bland’s priorities clearly lie with LIV Golf, which he considers to be his main focus and commitment.

 

Despite turning 50 in February, Bland has continued to display exceptional form on the golf course, attributing much of his recent success to his involvement with LIV Golf. He has openly acknowledged that his performance since joining LIV Golf has been the best of his career, stating, “It has been well documented that since joining LIV I am the best player I have ever been.” Bland also asserted that the competitive standard in LIV Golf is higher than what he experienced on the DP World Tour, a statement that underscores his belief in the league’s quality and competitiveness.

 

In summary, Richard Bland’s response to the PGA Tour’s denial of his Champions Tour access highlights his firm commitment to LIV Golf and his satisfaction with his current professional environment. Despite missing out on additional opportunities within the senior circuit and dealing with controversies surrounding his eligibility, Bland remains focused and positive about his career trajectory, crediting LIV Golf with elevating his performance and providing him with a fulfilling playing experience.