Richard Bland’s impressive professional golf career spans almost 30 years, in which time he has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience that could be invaluable in your pursuit of progress on the course.
Fortunately, as I wandered through the gold mine that is the Golf Monthly archive, I stumbled across this absolute gem from the two-time Senior Major winner.
After winning the British Masters back in 2021, becoming the oldest first-time winner in European Tour history in his 478th start, Richard Bland shared with us his expert tee-to-green tips…
1. Driving Accuracy
One of my faults in the past has been a tendency to sometimes not complete my backswing – I start down too early.
When the club is late and I’m ahead of it, I can’t square the face and sometimes I’d hit a weak cut. If I’m working on something, I might look at a player who does what I’m trying to do very well.
I looked at Hideki Matsuyama and that slight pause he has at the top. I have this image in my head and it helps me to set the club at the top, then I can move into the transition and it’s not rushed.
2. Iron Play
If you can hit your numbers then you probably shouldn’t be too far away. This is where Monty was so great – he was always pin high from 170 yards in. He knew exactly how far he was going to hit it, and that’s what I work on with my wedges and short irons.
I don’t tend to see Tim [Barter] at tournaments. I’ll always have my GCQuad on the range and I do my work with him when I’m back at The Wisley.
We do lots of over-exaggeration work. There are certain things that you can’t over exaggerate enough.
For example, if I’m hitting the ball too much right to left, I’ll try and hit fades. I find it helps to neutralise the ball flight.
Learning to hit your numbers with your irons is a great way to improve
(Image credit: Getty Images)
3. Bunker Play
You rarely see pros giving bunker lessons, but I think amateurs could learn so much more by having one. I see amateurs go into a bunker with a normal set-up and they think they have to dig it out.
The sand is your friend and you’ve got to use the bounce. Once you understand how to play the shot, good technique will take care of itself. With pros, you see the clubface is set with more loft, so they can hit it…
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