Ep 54 Richard Bland

Chasing Pars Golf Podcast

In this special episode we had the honour of being joined by the 'Fairytale story' of 2021 Richard Bland. In the episode Blandy gives us all an update on his current situation regarding knee injury after having knee surgery at the end of the season, we talk about DP World Tour taking over from European Tour and what that means from a Tour players point of view. Blandy assesses his early years on tour between 1996-2000 after turning pro in 96 which would be catalyst for a very successful year in 2001 where would have 4 top 10 finishes on Challenge Tour including a 5 shot victory at 2001 Challenge Tour Grand Final in Bordeaux which would secure full playing rights on European Tour in 2002. In 2002 Richard would finish T2nd and miss out in a playoff Vs Soren Hansen & Darren Fichardt at Irish Open at Fota Island. At this time Tim Barter would come in as coach and work on a few things with inevitable success to come. After losing European Tour card in 2018 Bland at the age of 46 would go back to 2019 Challenge Tour Q School win his playing rights and finish the season with a resurgence in form with 4 2nd placed finishes, a 3rd and a 4th in that season. Just before the strange year which was 2020 at the end of the year he would finish T2nd in South Africa behind Bezuidenhout at Leopard Creek which would be the start of the best season of his career to come which would include the dramatic & emotional victory at the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry where Richard beat Guido Migliozzi in a playoff to win at the 478th time of asking on European Tour in so becoming the oldest first time Euro Tour winner at aged 48. We very much enjoyed speaking with Richard and was a privilege to have him on to discuss the emotional victory at The Belfry. Enjoy everyone!