Richard Bland reveals USGA’s reaction when he told them he’d be skipping the US Senior Open to play LIV Dallas

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Richard Bland controversially decided to play at LIV Dallas this week, rather than defend his US Senior Open title at Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado.

Whether or not it was actually his decision is debatable. Bland‘s contract with LIV Golf may well have obligated him to play in Dallas this week.

The 52-year-old has actually played very solidly this season on LIV, and he would have fancied his chances of defending his crown at the US Senior Open.

Earlier this week, Bland released a statement about missing the US Senior Open.

It would be fair to suggest that behind the scenes, the Englishman is not happy at being unable to defend his title.

But how did he react when asked his feelings on the matter following his second round 69 that left him in a tie for fourth at LIV Dallas?

Richard Bland reveals how the USGA reacted when he told them he’d be skipping the US Senior Open

Bland actually has a shot of winning LIV Dallas on Sunday.

He trails current leader Patrick Reed by four shots heading into the final round.

And a win at Maridoe would definitely soften the blow of being forced to miss the US Senior Open.

Bland has received plenty of criticism over the past week from both fans and golf journalists alike.

And he responded to that criticism when speaking to the media on Saturday.

He said, “Yeah, obviously you always want to defend something you won the year before, especially a tournament like the U.S. Senior Open. But as always, I’m committed to LIV. I didn’t even ask the question. I know I have a contract, and I have to honor that.

“I know I’ve taken a little bit of stick back home for it, but it’s one of those unfortunate things. I spoke with the USGA. They were fine with it. Obviously of course they’re disappointed.

“But it’s just one of those unfortunate things. I know LIV are trying to put the best schedule together that they can with the weeks that they have, and of course they’re never going to put a LIV event against a major a real-time major if you want to call it that. But yeah, it’s unfortunate.

“Obviously I would love to be there, but I’m also committed and I love playing LIV. I love playing for the Cleeks. Yeah, I’m happy.“

Something about those comments from Bland simply don’t ring true. How can a professional on tour not be upset about missing a major championship that he won last year?

The whole situation is just plain wrong in my opinion.

Richard Bland’s results on LIV in 2025

Bland has been a consistent performer on LIV this season.

However, his best finish was when he ended up in fifth place at LIV Adelaide back in February.

He will have a chance to record his best ever finish on LIV Golf at Maridoe Golf Club on Sunday.

However, behind closed doors he must have a bitter taste in his mouth about having missed out on trying to defend his US Senior Open title.