478 Starts Later, Richard Bland Is A European Tour Winner
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Richard Bland’s Betfred British Masters win made for an extra-gratifying Saturday viewing experience, as the ultimate journeyman captured win one in 478 European Tour appearances.
The 48-year-old overcame Italian Guido Migliozzi’s best effort—including a huge par at the difficult (well, maybe goofy) 18th—to win a sudden-death playoff.
The win was noticed and celebrated all over the world.
While it won’t earn him a spot in next week’s PGA, he is lining up for a U.S. Open spot should he desire. From the European Tour notes:
The victory also puts him in pole position for a chance to earn a place in the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in June. The top ten aggregate Race to Dubai points earners (not otherwise exempt) at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett, Made in HimmerLand presented by FREJA and Porsche European Open will earn a place in the third Major Championship of the year.
Bland sunk this long birdie putt to ultimately land in a playoff against Migliozzi:
Even the consummate pro interviewer (and Bland’s instructor) Tim Barter let his guard down and had a discernible throat lump. A teaser of the interview below, which can be viewed in full here including an wonderful video chat with his parents.
