LIV Golf heads to Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas, just north of Dallas.
The last LIV event was played three weeks ago in Virginia, where Joaquin Niemann ended the week victorious.
LIV received a huge boost from Bryson DeChambeau recently, when the American suggested that he has no plans to leave the tour when his contract expires in 2026.
Despite criticism from some circles, LIV Golf has actually produced some really exciting tournaments this year, with LIV Miami, LIV Mexico and LIV Korea the picks of the bunch.
LIV Dallas should be a real cracker as well, as the top players look to keep their games sharp ahead of The Open Championship next month.
However, one LIV player in particular has been embroiled in some controversy heading into the event in Texas.
Richard Bland releases statement after skipping U.S. Senior Open to play LIV Dallas
Earlier this week, Richard Bland caused huge furore when it emerged that he would not be defending his U.S. Senior Open title.
Bland won the senior’s edition of America’s national championship in 2024, after getting the better of Hiroyuki Fujita in a play-off at Newport Country Club.
However, the 52-year-old will miss the event at The Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado this week.
That’s because he is obligated by his contract with LIV to play at Maridoe Golf Club for the ninth event of the season.
Bland’s decision not to defend his U.S. Senior Open crown seriously raised some eyebrows in the golfing world.
And the LIV golfer released an official statement via The Cleeks X account in response to the criticism he has received for that decision.
The Englishman said: “I am incredibly proud of winning last year’s U.S Senior Open, a career highlight that I will always cherish. I’m fully committed to playing the 14-event LIV Golf schedule, and honoring my opportunity with the Cleeks and the league, where my goal is to finish in the top-24 once again and secure my roster spot for next season. I wish the very best to this week’s competitors at The Broadmoor.”
Poor from LIV and Richard Bland ahead of the U.S. Senior Open
We all know that LIV Golf have 14 events that every player on their tour is contractually obligated to play in.
However, surely an exception could have been made for Bland this week.
Despite his statement, it’s fairly obvious where he would be playing this week if he actually had a choice in the matter.
Instances like this one involving Bland do not do LIV Golf any favours whatsoever as far as the tour gaining credibility is concerned.
And it is something that they will definitely have to address moving forward.
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