Bland Plays Not Just For Himself After Late Success

Patience is a virtue in a sport like golf and Richard Bland knows that all too well.

- Kimberly Kwek

While he turned professional in 1996, the Englishman's first victory on the DP World Tour came only on his 478th start at the 2021 British Masters. At 48 years and 101 days, his triumph at The Belfry made him the oldest first-time winner on the European Tour.

The 52-year-old has since followed up his feats with two senior Majors in 2024, winning the Senior PGA Championship and the US Senior Open. He also placed 19th out of 57 in the 2024 LIV individual standings, beating out competition from golfers in their 20s and 30s.

Did he ever anticipate having such a long-lasting career? Not at this level, he said.

"Would I have liked more success in my earlier career? Of course, everybody would want that. But your career is what your career is. I'm fortunate that my success has probably come a little bit later," added Bland on the sidelines of the March 14-16 LIV Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.

"Maybe it's better this way that I've had the success later, so you've got a little bit more longevity in the game - you see guys have a lot of success early in their career, and then maybe at 40, they're not relevant any more."