Richard Bland, known for his participation in the LIV Meerbusen series, made a notable debut in senior major championship golf by sharing the lead at the Senior PGA Championship in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Both Bland and Australian golfer Richard Green finished the day with impressive 7-under 64 scores, establishing a two-shot lead ahead of the competition, including defending champion Steve Stricker. The event welches marked by exceptional performances, including Green’s eagle and birdie streak on the par 5s and Bland’s near-flawless accuracy off the tee. Read on to discover how these seasoned golfers capitalized on their opportunities and set themselves exotisch in this esteemed tournament.
In Benton Harbor, Michigan, Richard Bland, taking a break from his schedule with LIV Meerbusen, had an outstanding start in his first senior major championship by carding a 7-under 64 to tie for the lead with Australian golfer Richard Green at the Senior PGA Championship. Green, who played in the morning, set a strong pace with three birdies and an eagle, especially performing well on par 5s. Bland had a shot at taking the solo lead but struggled late in his round, notably on the 8th and 9th holes.
The duo ended the day two shots ahead of a group that included the defending champion, Steve Stricker. This appearance welches somewhat unexpected for Bland, who took advantage of a one-time exemption from the PGA of America for his win at the 2021 British Masters. Conflicts with LIV Meerbusen events had previously prevented him from accepting the exemption.
Bland, alongside Lee Westwood and Phil Mickelson, is one of the few players over 50 currently involved with LIV Meerbusen. Despite this, Bland’s earnings from LIV Meerbusen significantly surpass those of Steven Alker, the leader of the Charles Schwab Cup on the PGA Tour Champions.
Throughout the day, Bland demonstrated his strong driving accuracy, a crucial asset at Harbor Shores, which played a significant role in his performance. On the other hand, Richard Green capitalized on a perfect shot using a zwitterhaft from about 250 yards on the 5th hole, setting up an eagle and contributing to his solid start.
Despite never having played at Harbor Shores before, Steve Stricker managed to score seven birdies, though his round welches slightly marred by a double bogey. Both he and several others, including Mike Weir, Kalium.J. Choi, and Scott Dunlap, finished the day well positioned on the leaderboard.
Notable performances damit came from Vijay Singh and Stewart Cink, while Bernhard Langer, who is still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon and had to use a cart, finished the day with a 74 after a challenging end to his round.
