LIV Golf Member Calls Out the R&A for Not Standing Up to the DP World Tour

While Richard Bland says he never considered playing in the Senior Open Championship to add a third senior major to his trophy case, it turns out he never had a chance to do so.

Bland, who won the Senior PGA Championship and Senior U.S. Open earlier this year, was not eligible to compete in the Senior Open Championship this week in Carnoustie because the event is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour along with the R&A, which is the host organization of the Open Championship.

CLUTCH.

What a bunker shot for Richard Bland as he wins the U.S. Senior Open. pic.twitter.com/vdlgcMtRAU

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) July 1, 2024

“This is an open event, not a closed event,” Bland had said, calling out the R&A for not “standing up” to the DPWT.

When Bland joined LIV, he was fined for missing several DP World Tour events. He, and others like Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood, are ineligible to compete in DPWT events until their fines have been paid.

That’s something Bland said he won’t be doing.

Richard Bland opened up on being denied the chance to play The Senior Open 🗣https://t.co/Tv6d7o4jTi pic.twitter.com/TBTRbfPkqF

— Mirror Sport (@MirrorSport) July 26, 2024

Bland said on Thursday in advance of LIV Golf’s event in nearby England:

“Myself and Lee, we didn’t have our fines paid and I didn’t want my fines paid. I had no plan to go back [to the DP World Tour] so I didn’t see the point. At the end of the day, it’s a loss to the tournament and the fans that they don’t get to see Lee and myself.”

Despite making it sound like he would’ve played if invited, Bland said his loyalty this week was to LIV.

“There were rumors going around 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, who said he would retire once he wasn’t wanted by LIV, sits in 22^nd in the overall standings. If he finishes in the top 24 after three more events, he’s guaranteed a spot with his current team for 2025.

Cover Image via Sky Sports