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

Richard Bland has confirmed he will not be defending his US Senior Open title this week as he is 100% committed to playing all LIV Golf League events while he remains under contract with Cleeks GC. 

Bland, 52, took to his social media channels to confirm the reason for him opting out of a US Senior Open title defence at The Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs this week. 

The Englishman is required under his LIV Golf contract as a Cleeks GC player to compete in all 14 LIV Golf League events thoughout the 2025 season.

Bland previously turned down the chance to play in the 2023 Senior PGA because it clashed with a LIV Golf event.

But a year later he was able to play in the 2024 Senior PGA since there was no clash. 

Bland was eligible to play in that major because he chose to use his one-time exemption given to past DP World Tour winners.

He won his sole European Tour title at the Betfred British Masters in 2021.

Bland went and won the Senior PGA and that allowed him to enter the US Senior Open, which again didn't clash with a LIV event, and he won. 

But he was denied the chance to compete the 'Bland Slam' at The Senior Open as he still had outstanding fines left to pay on the DP World Tour.

That was the same case as in 2023 when he was also denied entry to play. 

Fast forward to this year's US Senior Open, and Bland is double booked and LIV takes preference under his contract.  

It is understood a player is only able to miss a LIV Golf event under contract if they are ill, injured or have a personal reason. 

Bland confirmed on social media today that he is in the field for LIV Golf's ninth event of the season at Maridoe GC in Dallas. 

"I’m incredibly proud of winning last year’s U.S. Senior Open, a career highlight that I will always cherish," Bland wrote on a graphic.

"I’m fully committed to playing the 14-event LIV Golf schedule and honoring my opportunity with the Cleeks and the league, where my goal is to finish in the Top 24 once again and secure my roster spot for next season. 

"I wish the very best to this week’s competitors at The Broadmoor."

It's fair to say Bland's post has ruffled plenty of feathers with golf fans on social media. 

Click on the post below and scroll through the thread to see comments: