RICHARD BLAND

BIONIC BIONIC BLAND

MEMORABLE MOMENTS are few and far between in the golfi ng world but when Richard Bland, universally known as ‘Blandy,’ became the oldest fi rst time-winner on the European Tour at the age of 48 he created widespread rejoicing among his colleagues. After 487 starts on the Tour ‘Blandy’s’ determination and never-say-die enthusiasm to succeed won through. The Englishman proved that age is no barrier with a 30-foot birdie putt on the 18th at The Belfry and a three-foot putt in the play-off to win the Betfred British Masters for the moment of a lifetime. He went on to fi nish fi fth in the Italian Open and third in the Cazoo Classic at The London Club. He also had the honour of hitting the opening tee-shot to get The Open underway at Royal St. George’s Golf Club. Having proved his point that consistency can work wonders, Blandy has now got his sights set on the DP World Tour Championship. We caught up with him to fi nd out where the resurgence in his game has come from.

Talk us through that winning moment at the Betfred British Masters and what did it mean to have Tim Barter by your side?

Blandy: To have Tim there made the experience all the more sweeter. He’s been with me since I fi rst got on Tour, especially as we couldn’t have family and friends there because of the pandemic. For Tim to be interviewing me at the trophy presentation was very special for me.

It’s well known how hard you have worked on dialling in your yardages in recent years. Was there a reason why you didn’t focus on this aspect earlier?

Blandy: Yes, I’ve worked hard on yardages and it has certainly made a big difference. I wish I had worked more on it earlier - but we live and learn. My usual day would be to work on all aspects of my game, especially on within 150 yards, and also with my short game and my putting. I try and play a few rounds during the week if I’m not at tournaments.

You’ve managed to continue your run of form but how hard is it to not just relax and refl ect on what has been a truly remarkable season?

Blandy: There’s always something to play for during the season. So it was important to try and carry on playing well and attempting to make Majors and achieve higher Race to Dubai positions for big tournaments such as the DP World Championship during next year, too.

What was it like to lead the US Open going into Saturday and how did you prepare?

Blandy: After the media commitments I had to do on Friday, I did a little bit of practice and then I just relaxed and rested as much as possible before playing Saturday.

What are your goals when you tee it up at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates towards the end of the year?

Blandy: My goal will be to win the event, as is always the case in any event I play. But I will strive to fi nish as high as I can in the Race to Dubai.

Since you joined the European Tour, how do you think your game has changed?

Blandy: Over many years I guess my game has just become more consistent. Knowing more about what works for me and what doesn’t I feel I can work in a smarter way and I certainly believe I now have more quality than quantity.

What course or tournament is on your professional bucket list, and why?

Blandy: I’d love to play the Masters at Augusta National. It’s one of the Majors I’d love to win and the venue is so special.

Did Phil Mickelson’s PGA win gave you a fresh outlook on the game?

Blandy: No, not really. Of course, it’s great that at the age of 51 he can still win a Major. But I’ve always believed I could win one, too.

How has technology helped you in terms of being able to compete against the fearless teenage ‘bombers’?

Blandy: I guess everyone hits the ball a lot further these days, so it has helped, of course. But with all may experience and knowing my own game is a big plus.

Over the years on Tour you must have made some great friends and colleagues. How hard is it when you see them miss their playing cards or have to retire due to lack of form or injury, and do you still manage to stay in touch with them?

Blandy: Certainly, over the years I’ve got to know a lot of good guys and when they lose their card it’s tough to see. Although, this is all part of the game we play and the standard is so high. But at the end of the day you have to focus on yourself and concentrate on playing the best you can.

Is there a club in your bag that you would never contemplate selling?

Blandy: Yes, my trusty 5-wood. It’s been in the bag for the past 12+ years now.

What advice would you give a talented youngster who is looking to turn professional?

Blandy: My advice, of course, would be to work hard and fi nd a coach that you understand, and know your golf swing inside out, so you’re not completely reliant on the coach. Work hard, particularly from within 150 yards because that’s where you can make the most gains in regards to lowering your scores.

If you went on a road trip for a week and could only take three passengers, who would you take?

Blandy: I’d take my brother, former footballer, Matt Le Tissier and Jason Prewitt. The latter two are close friends and to my brother also. So we’d be certain to enjoy the best time we could have. ■

FAVOURITES:

GOLFERS: Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan SPORTS STAR: Ronnie O’Sullivan CAR: Lamborghini Aventodor HOLIDAY RESORT: Maldives GOLF COURSE: Augusta National ACTORS: Tom Hanks and Kate Winslet MUSIC ALBUM: Oasis, What’s The Story Morning Glory FILM: Gladiator RESTAURANT: Nobu

LIFE ON THE BAG

From sleeping in bushes at the side of a motorway to becoming one of the best caddies in the world of golf, we caught up with Billy Foster just before he headed off to Whistling Straits to fi nd out more about his four decades in the job.

How do you become one of the greatest caddies in golf? Having a dry sense of humour and a no nonsense out -look on life has certain been a benefi t for Billy Foster. The unassuming Yorkshireman has worked for some of the best in the business over his 40 years on Tour and no other could put Seve and Tiger down on their CV. But before any of you failing golfers out there opt for a career change, life on the bag isn’t all about private jets and fast living. Most caddies earn fi ve to 10 percent of their player’s winnings and have to fund the travel expenses out of their own pocket. So when your man misses the cut you get ten percent of nothing!