Richard Bland reveals why he’s turned down US Senior Open title defence for LIV Golf event

Richard Bland to Skip US Senior Open Title Defence for LIV Golf

Richard Bland, the reigning US Senior Open champion, has confirmed he will not defend his title at The Broadmoor Golf Club this weekend. Instead, the 52‑year‑old Englishman is committed to playing in the LIV Golf Dallas event, held June 27–29 at Maridoe Golf Club.

Why the Surprise?

• Bland signed a 14-event contract with the LIV Golf League and is obliged to play all scheduled tournaments for his Cleeks GC team.
• Previously, he passed on the 2023 Senior PGA Championship due to a clash with a LIV event.
• In 2024, he played—and won—two senior majors (Senior PGA and US Senior Open), as neither conflicted with LIV events. This year, the schedules overlap again.

Bland’s Statement

On social media, Bland explained:

“I’m incredibly proud of winning last year’s U.S. Senior Open, a career highlight … I’m fully committed to playing the 14-event LIV Golf schedule … my goal is to finish in the Top 24 … I wish the very best to this week’s competitors at The Broadmoor.”

LIV Golf vs. Senior Majors

• LIV contracts typically mandate full participation, barring illness or personal emergencies.
• Bland is currently ranked 21st in the LIV individual standings and aims to remain in the Top 24 to retain his spot for the 2026 season.

This scheduling conflict highlights the tension between LIV’s expanding tour and the prestige of senior major championships. As a result, golfers like Bland must choose between contractual obligation and championship legacy.

Road to 2024 Success

A quick recap:

• Bland captured his first senior major at the Senior PGA Championship in May 2024.
• He followed with victory at the US Senior Open the following month, turning heads on the senior circuit.

His form has been attributed, in part, to the elevated competition within LIV, where he regularly competes against younger major champions.

What’s Next?

The US Senior Open 2025 will proceed without Bland. Whether he returns next year may depend on how schedules align and whether his LIV contract allows flexibility. For now, his focus remains on LIV: securing his Top 24 status and potentially earning his first individual title.

This decision underscores the evolving tension in professional golf between legacy events and new tour commitments.