Richard Bland is back in the spotlight, and not just for his trademark deadpan wit. The 51-year-old Englishman returns to Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland this week, aiming to defend his Senior PGA Championship title at one of America’s most picturesque—and punishing—layouts.
And if you think this is just another leisurely stroll with the over-50s crowd, think again. Bland’s game is sharp, the stakes are high, and the field is anything but mellow.
Fresh off a gritty T37 finish at The PGA Championship at Quail Hollow—where he posted rounds of 70, 68, 76, and 71—Richard Bland proved that even against the big dogs, he still packs bite.
“I’m not saying I would have given Scottie a run for his money, but I felt like I certainly – there was a top 10 to be had there for me, which would have been an unbelievable week,” Bland said.
The numbers back him up. It wasn’t the monstrous Green Mile that tripped him up, but the front nine—usually the warm-up act—that seemed to have it in for him.
Still, it was a performance that turned heads and reminded everyone why Bland is comfortably inside LIV Golf’s Lock Zone, holding 17th in the individual standings.
Bland’s Path Forward
Defending a title is never easy—just ask anyone who’s tried to follow a great tee shot with an even better one. But Richard Bland seems poised for another deep run.
His 2024 win saw him fend off a determined Aussie trio—Richard Green (-14), Greg Chalmers (-13), and Scott Hend (-12)—while golf’s silver-maned fan favourite Ernie Els finished T6 at 11-under. All four are back, hungry, and probably still fuming about last year.
This time, though, Bland’s got a new shadow in the field—Angel Cabrera. The two-time major champ is fresh off a stunning win at the Regions Tradition and will tee off just 44 minutes before Bland on Thursday.
Add Jerry Kelly to Cabrera’s group—last week’s runner-up at 19-under—and you’ve got yourself a preview of what could be Sunday’s final act.
Meanwhile, LIV teammate Lee Westwood will also be flying the rebel tour’s flag, though his form hasn’t quite hit cruising altitude.
Currently 53rd in the standings and with a T25 in Jeddah as his season’s high point, the Englishman could use a confidence jolt. Congressional may be just the tonic.
Better still, the proximity to next week’s LIV Virginia event means zero jet lag for Bland and Westwood—unless they get stuck in Beltway traffic, which, let’s face it, is more dangerous than Congressional’s bunkers.
Weather, Tee Times, and Opening Round Wildcards
Heavy rain on Wednesday wiped out the final practice round, turning Thursday’s opener into something of a blind date with the greens. But clear skies are forecast for the rest of the tournament, which should help scores drop faster than LIV’s critics after a Bland birdie barrage.
Richard Bland is slated to tee off at 1:48 PM from the 10th hole—one of Congressional’s more generous par-5s. The club describes it like this: “At just over 500 yards from the tips the 10th hole is reachable for plenty of players… Approach shots that leak right into the greenside bunker need not fear as it is one of the most shallow bunkers on the course.” Translation: Birdie or bust.
Eyes on the Prize
For Bland, a repeat win would do more than add another line to an already well-polished résumé—it would cement 2025 as arguably the most successful season of his career. With his recent form and familiarity with Congressional’s subtleties, you wouldn’t bet against him.
This isn’t just a farewell tour for past greats. This is high-level competition. And as always, Richard Bland brings a mix of grit, grace, and quiet defiance that makes him a must-watch—whether you’re a LIV loyalist or just someone who appreciates watching a craftsman at work.
So keep your eyes peeled and your putter steady. The 2025 Senior PGA Championship is here, and Richard Bland is more than just in the field. He’s in the hunt.
How to Watch the 2025 Senior PGA Championship
The official viewing guide is available here. We’ll also be updating this article throughout the week with fresh images, videos, and daily recaps direct from Congressional.
Bookmark it now—you won’t want to miss what happens when Richard Bland steps back into the arena.
