Richard Bland Commits to LIV Golf Event, Becomes First DP World Tour or PGA Tour Player to Defy Order

Both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour essentially issued ultimatums to its golfers when it comes to playing in the LIV Golf Invitational Series: it’s them or us.

Richard Bland, a British golfer on the DP World Tour, has made his choice.

The Europe-based DP World Tour has threatened bans for its players who compete in the event at Centurion Club.

Yet Richard Bland has said he wants to take the opportunity to “secure his future”.#BBCGolf

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 18, 2022

Bland, 49, becomes the first golfer to say he will defy his home tour’s ruling and play in the LIV tour opener in London. For Bland, who is ranked No. 48 in the Official World Golf Rankings and is at Southern Hills for the PGA Championship, the reason is simple—to secure his family’s financial future.

Bland told BBC Radio:

“I am going to play. If I get banned, I get banned… I’m a realist. Mother nature does tend to catch up on you. I have an opportunity to play these events and secure my future and I’d be pretty foolish to turn that down.”

Bland, despite being close to 50, is having one of the best stretches of his career, starting with a win at the British Masters in May 2021 and eight top-10 finishes last season to go with a runner-up and another top 10 so far this year. He’s made the equivalent to $8 million since 2000 on Europe’s top tour.

But for a more accurate comparison, Bland made around $375,000 for the British Masters win. If he finishes in last place in the LIV opener, he would make $125,000 since there are no cuts. And that doesn’t take into account whatever appearance fee Bland may earn either.

LIV’s first event is at Centurion Golf Club from June 9-11.

Cover Image Via Golf365