Richard Bland from England emerged victorious at the 84th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship held at Harbor Shores in Michigan. Despite struggling with his putting in the early rounds, Bland’s trusty putter named “Gamer” came through for him on the final day, as he shot a remarkable 8-under 63 to secure his debut senior major title by a three-stroke margin. The 51-year-old golfer, who received a special exemption from the PGA of America, took home a prize of $630,000 for his impressive performance.
Bland’s closest competitor was Australian lefty Richard Green, who also put up a strong fight with a final-round 65 that included two eagles on the back nine. However, it was Bland who maintained his composure and consistency throughout the day, making critical birdie and eagle putts to offset a couple of bogeys. The victory held special significance for Bland, as he dedicated it to his brother Heath, who has been battling cancer for the past year. Emotions ran high as Bland expressed his joy at being able to win for his brother.
The crucial moment in the tournament came at the 14th hole when Greg Chalmers sank a lengthy birdie putt to take the lead at 15-under, only to be matched by Bland’s clutch par-saving putt. Bland then went on to make an eagle at the 15th hole, setting himself up for a one-shot lead heading into the final stretch of the round. Despite Chalmers’ valiant efforts, Bland’s exceptional play down the stretch proved to be the deciding factor in securing the victory.
For Bland, it was a redemption story as he had contemplated changing putters after a disappointing round on Saturday. However, he decided to stick with his trusted “Gamer” putter and put in extra practice before the final round, which paid off handsomely. The win not only marked a significant milestone in Bland’s career but also highlighted his resilience and determination to perform at the highest level under pressure.
Apart from Bland and Green, other notable performances in the tournament included veterans like Greg Chalmers, Ernie Els, and Steve Stricker. Chalmers, in particular, impressed with his exceptional play but fell short in the closing stages, finishing in third place. However, his performance earned him a substantial paycheck and boosted his confidence as he prepares for future events on the PGA Champions Tour.
Overall, the 84th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship showcased the depth of talent and competitive spirit among senior golfers, with Richard Bland emerging as a deserving champion. His remarkable final round and consistent play under challenging conditions demonstrated his class and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered the most. As Bland celebrated his maiden senior major title, he paid tribute to his brother and cherished the moment as a meaningful achievement in his golfing career.
