Golf analyst slams LIV's Richard Bland over shunning US Senior Open title defence

Sky Sports Golf analyst Mark Roe admits he is "not impressed" Richard Bland has favoured competing in LIV Golf Dallas as opposed to defending his US Senior Open title this week.

Roe, 62, goes even further by claiming a senior major carries greater prestige in the game than a LIV Golf event. 

Bland, 52, took to his social media channels on Wednesday to confirm he is required under his LIV Golf contract as a Cleeks GC player to compete in all 14 LIV Golf events thoughout the 2025 season.

He therefore has chosen to compete at Maridoe Golf Club in Dallas on LIV Golf instead of defend his US Senior Open title at The Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs. 

Despite making his situation crystal clear on social media, Sky Sports analyst and three-time European Tour winner Roe was having none of it. 

"I don't get it really," said Roe, with a puzzled look on his face.

"Apparently there's a LIV event this week. 

"Well, there's just no comparison between a senior major and a LIV event.

"You don't come back to defend? I'm not impressed at all in all honesty. 

"I'm a big Richard Bland fan, I have to be honest, he won two senior majors and it all came late in his career with a first win at the Betfred British Masters after 478 events or what have you then. 

"I mean this is a wonderful moment, what are you thinking not coming back to defend a senior major? 

"I'm sorry, not impressed." 

Sky Sports Golf lead host Iona Stephen then replied to Roe: "Yeah it's difficult if he's committed to LIV," to which Roe smirked into the camera and shook his head. 

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 on Wednesday 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."