In his debut at a senior-level tournament, English golfer Richard Bland has surged into a shared lead at a major championship. Alongside Australian Richard Green, Bland commands the top spot at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship following impressive rounds of 7-under 65s at Michigan's Harbour Shores Resort.
Their stellar performance places them two shots ahead of a closely trailing pack, including seasoned contenders like Steve Stricker, Scott Dunlap, Jeff Schmid, Canada's Mike Weir, and South Korea's KJ Choi, all sitting at 5-under 66.
Bland, a member of LIV Golf, transitioned to the senior circuit after a notable career highlight in 2022, becoming the oldest victor of a DP World Tour event at age 48. Reflecting on his unexpected invitation to the Senior PGA Championship, Bland recounted receiving an email from PGA of America official Bob Jeffrey, expressing interest in his participation.
Due to scheduling conflicts in the past, Bland couldn't accept the invite initially, but upon finding a gap in his calendar this year, he eagerly seized the opportunity, which has proven fruitful thus far.
Bland's strategic prowess was on full display during Thursday's round, leveraging his strengths off the tee to set up birdie opportunities with precision iron shots. His flawless performance, which included an eagle at the par-5 15th, underscored his adaptability to the course conditions.
Meanwhile, Green, a seasoned competitor with extensive victories in Europe and Australia, showcased his skills with a strong start and a remarkable eagle at the fifth hole. Despite the presence of formidable opponents like Stricker, the defending champion, the opening day's play sets the stage for an intriguing competition, with several contenders vying for the coveted title.
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