Richard Bland’s choice to prioritize LIV Golf over the U.S. Senior Open might have disappointed some fans and officials, but it also reflects the new dynamics of professional golf in 2024
With LIV Golf continuing to assert its presence, players are forced to make decisions that pit tradition against innovation.
Bland has made his choice—and he’s standing by it. Whether that choice enhances or diminishes his legacy remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Richard Bland is content with the path he’s taken, and he’s not looking back.
With a tee time of 12:05 p.m. ET, a talented pairing, and a chance to make history, Richard Bland is undoubtedly one of the key figures to follow during Round 3 of LIV Golf Dallas 2025.
His performance could be one of the defining moments of the tournament—and perhaps of his LIV Golf career.
As fans tune in from around the world, they’ll be watching not just a golfer making a run, but a seasoned competitor embracing the challenge one hole at a time. Keep your eyes on Richard Bland this Sunday. A special finish might just be in store.
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Richard Bland’s Controversial Choice
LIV Golf Over U.S. Senior Open
Richard Bland, the 2023 U.S. Senior Open champion, found himself at a career crossroads in June 2024.1
With two prestigious golf events scheduled for the same weekend—his U.S. Senior Open title defense and the LIV Golf Dallas event—Bland made a bold and decisive move.
Rather than return to Colorado Springs to defend his major victory, he chose to honor his LIV Golf contract and compete at Maridoe Golf Club in Dallas.
While this decision raised eyebrows across the golfing world, Bland stood firm in his commitment.
Choosing Loyalty Over Legacy
For many golfers, the chance to defend a major title is a sacred tradition. Bland acknowledged this during his post-round interview on June 28:
“Obviously you always want to defend something you won the year before, especially a tournament like the U.S. Senior Open.”
Despite that sentiment, Bland chose not to even inquire about playing in the Senior Open, stating plainly:
“But as always, I’m committed to LIV. I didn’t even ask the question. I know I have a contract, and I have to honor that.”
The bluntness of his statement reflects a golfer who has fully aligned himself with the LIV Golf movement—an organization that continues to disrupt the traditional structure of professional golf.
Richard Bland: Facing Criticism at Home
Back in his native England, Bland has received criticism for skipping the U.S. Senior Open.2
However, he doesn’t seem to be losing any sleep over it.
“I know I’ve taken a little bit of stick back home for it, but it’s one of those unfortunate things,” he said.
This criticism likely stems from a broader debate about the ethical and professional implications of joining LIV Golf, a league backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
For many fans and traditionalists, choosing LIV over a U.S. Golf Association (USGA) major championship represents a break with golf’s core values.
But for Bland, the decision was a practical one—fulfilling contractual obligations and playing for a team and organization he enjoys.
Understanding the Schedule Clash
The overlap between the U.S. Senior Open and LIV Golf Dallas wasn’t intentional, Bland emphasized:
“LIV is trying to put together the best schedule they can. It wasn’t a deliberate attempt to clash with a major championship.”
Scheduling conflicts in professional golf are not uncommon. Yet this particular clash spotlighted the growing tension between LIV Golf and traditional tours like the PGA Tour and Champions Tour.
LIV’s focus on global venues and team-based formats, combined with its big-money contracts, often puts players in tough positions when choosing between events.
Contentment on the Saudi Circuit
Despite missing out on defending a major title, Bland made it clear he’s happy where he is:
“Obviously I would love to be there, but I’m also committed and I love playing LIV. I love playing for the Cleeks. Yeah, I’m happy.”
The “Cleeks” are one of the teams in LIV Golf’s franchise-style format. Bland has consistently spoken positively about the team environment, camaraderie, and global exposure offered by LIV.
Unlike the often solitary grind of the PGA and Champions Tours, LIV’s team setup gives players a different source of motivation and satisfaction.
A Stellar Senior Season Worth Remembering
Bland’s decision is even more striking considering the success he enjoyed on the Senior Tour in 2023.
That year, he won both the Senior PGA Championship and the U.S. Senior Open, cementing himself as one of the dominant players in senior golf. His win at the Senior Open, in particular, was seen as a career-defining moment.
Only a month before LIV Golf Dallas, Bland returned to the Senior PGA Championship to defend his title, finishing tied for 14th—another solid showing that reaffirmed his competitive form.
His back-to-back senior major titles had given him momentum and respect in the 50+ division of golf.
By opting out of the U.S. Senior Open this year, he effectively chose present commitments over a chance to continue building on that remarkable run.
Richard Bland: U.S. Open Opportunity Goes Unfulfilled
Thanks to his U.S. Senior Open victory, Bland earned a spot in the field for the 2024 U.S. Open—one of golf’s premier major championships.3
Unfortunately, that opportunity did not go as hoped. Bland missed the cut, a disappointing outcome given his previous form. Still, qualifying for the event demonstrated how success on the Senior Tour can open doors to the bigger stage.
A Microcosm of a Larger Golf Divide
Bland’s choice is emblematic of a broader rift in the world of professional golf. LIV Golf, with its lucrative contracts and team-based structure, has attracted numerous stars—including the likes of Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson.
Yet, this movement has also created difficult choices for players, especially when traditional majors or significant tour events occur during the same weeks as LIV tournaments.
For Bland, the decision may seem straightforward—he’s under contract and is honoring it. But for fans and critics, his absence from the U.S. Senior Open speaks volumes about where the sport is heading.
What the Future Holds for Bland
As he continues to compete on the LIV Golf circuit, Bland will likely face similar decisions in the future.
Will he be able to return to the Senior Tour and compete in majors again? Will LIV Golf and governing bodies like the USGA find common ground on scheduling and eligibility? These questions remain unanswered.
However, Bland appears to be at peace with his current path. At 51 years old, he’s found success late in his career and is now part of a movement that’s reshaping the professional golf landscape.
The Verdict: Pragmatic or Problematic?
Richard Bland’s decision to play in LIV Golf Dallas over defending his U.S. Senior Open title will be debated among golf purists and fans for some time.
To some, it represents a pragmatic move—one where a player honors his contract and embraces a format he enjoys. To others, it’s a missed opportunity to uphold the traditions of major championship golf.
Regardless of where one stands, Bland’s story reflects the new reality of golf: a sport in transition, where loyalty, legacy, and lucrative deals are increasingly intertwined.
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Richard Bland’s Final Push
Tee Time, Pairing, and Chances at LIV Golf Dallas 2025 Round 3
After two compelling rounds at the LIV Golf Dallas 2025, English veteran Richard Bland finds himself within striking distance of the lead heading into the final round.
As the action builds to a climax at the Maridoe Golf Club, all eyes will be on how Bland handles the final 18 holes and whether he can surge into contention for his first LIV Golf victory of the season.
In this comprehensive preview, we explore Bland’s tee time, playing partners, performance so far, and what to expect in the final round.
Tee Time and Pairing for Round 3
Richard Bland is scheduled to tee off in Round 3 on Sunday, June 29, at 12:05 p.m. ET.
He will start from the first hole in a shotgun start, which is customary in LIV Golf tournaments. He is paired with David Puig and Tyrrell Hatton, two dynamic competitors also in the hunt for the title.
This grouping is one of the day’s most anticipated, featuring a blend of experience, aggression, and consistency. It is fitting that all three players are tied at 4-under, creating a competitive environment within the group itself.
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The Shotgun Start Format: A LIV Golf Staple
Unlike traditional golf tournaments where players tee off in twosomes or threesomes from the first and tenth holes at staggered times, LIV Golf employs a shotgun start format.
All players begin their rounds simultaneously from different holes to ensure a compact, action-packed viewing experience for fans both onsite and watching from home.
Bland, Puig, and Hatton drawing the first tee indicates their strong placement on the leaderboard, as higher-performing groups are typically given priority on the front nine.
Leaderboard Overview After Round 2
After 36 holes, Patrick Reed leads the field at 8-under-par, following an impressive 4-under 68 in Round 2. He holds a two-shot advantage over Paul Casey and Abraham Ancer, both sitting at 6-under.
Right behind them are four players tied for fourth at 4-under: Richard Bland, David Puig, Tyrrell Hatton, and Harold Varner III.
Here’s a snapshot of the top of the leaderboard entering Sunday:
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1st – Patrick Reed: -8
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T-2nd – Paul Casey, Abraham Ancer: -6
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T-4th – Richard Bland, David Puig, Tyrrell Hatton, Harold Varner III: -4
With just four strokes separating Bland from the leader, a strong final round could vault him into serious contention.
Richard Bland’s Tournament So Far
Richard Bland has delivered a steady and composed performance through the first two rounds at Maridoe.
Known for his precise ball striking and mental toughness, Bland has shown resilience on a challenging layout.
His opening rounds have been marked by consistency rather than explosiveness—critical on a course that punishes inaccuracy.
Key stats from Bland’s opening rounds:
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Driving Accuracy: Over 75%
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Greens in Regulation: Top 10 in the field
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Putts per Round: Averaging just under 30
These numbers reveal a player who is grinding out scores through discipline and clutch putting—hallmarks of Bland’s game over the years.
Maridoe Golf Club: A Demanding Venue
The Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas, is no walk in the park. It demands accuracy off the tee, precise iron play, and a deft touch on the greens.
Winds have played a role throughout the weekend, affecting club selection and making short putts more nerve-wracking.
Course setup features:
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Par: 72
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Length: Over 7,500 yards
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Key Holes: The par-5 7th, par-3 13th, and the tricky finishing hole at 18
Bland’s performance so far has suggested a solid game plan and excellent course management. If he maintains this composure, he’s more than capable of navigating the course and applying pressure on the leaders.
What Bland Needs to Win LIV Golf Dallas
If Richard Bland wants to lift the trophy on Sunday, he will likely need to shoot a round in the mid-60s, potentially a 66 or better, depending on how Patrick Reed fares. Here are the key factors for his success:
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Make Early Birdies: Starting on hole 1, Bland will want to capitalize on any scoring opportunities early to build momentum.
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Avoid Mistakes on Par-3s: With swirling winds, these holes have tripped up many players this week. Bland’s accurate iron play will be vital.
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Put Pressure on the Leaders: By playing clean and bogey-free, Bland can quietly climb the leaderboard while forcing others to take risks.
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Stay Mentally Tough: The final round of any tournament tests nerves, and Bland will need every ounce of his veteran mindset to stay composed.
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