The 53-year-old Englishman, who famously claimed his maiden DP World Tour victory at the age of 48 before securing two Senior Major titles in 2024, will tee it up on La Manga Club’s South Course from 6–8 November, joining a field featuring Major champions Michael Campbell and Paul Lawrie, alongside Ryder Cup star Stephen Gallacher.

For Bland, the tournament marks an exciting new chapter in a remarkable career spanning more than two decades at the highest level, with the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces from his years on the DP World Tour.

“It’s exciting,” said Bland. “I’m looking forward to seeing some old faces, guys that I played with on the DP World Tour. It’s nice to be here.”

Bland’s arrival on the Staysure Legends Tour follows an extraordinary period of late-career success, beginning with his breakthrough victory at the 2021 British Masters at The Belfry.

After 478 appearances on the DP World Tour, Bland became the oldest first-time winner in the Tour’s history, a victory that transformed his confidence and paved the way for further success.

“Most people at 48 or 49 are probably starting to wind their careers down, and I was just about to wind mine up,” he reflected.

“To get that first win was huge. You always know that you’re good enough to do it, but you have to prove it on the day.”

Three years later, Bland continued his remarkable rise, claiming the Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores before adding the U.S. Senior Open title just weeks later, becoming a two-time Senior Major champion in his first season competing at that level.

The Englishman believes his long-awaited breakthrough at The Belfry proved instrumental in the success that followed.

“People have asked me what I’m doing differently, but I’m not doing anything differently to how I did it 15 years ago.

“That first DP World Tour win, if that doesn’t happen, does the rest happen? Probably not. The confidence and self-belief that gives you is huge.”

Now turning his attention to the Champions UK plc European Senior Masters, Bland is relishing the opportunity to compete alongside players he has known throughout his career, including Bradley Dredge, Stephen Gallacher and Andrew Marshall.

“I played on Monday with Bradley Dredge, my old practice partner. I’ve known Dredgie for 30 years,” he said.

“Stephen Gallacher is here this week as well. These are guys that we grew up together playing golf, so it’s nice to see them again.”

Despite the familiar surroundings and friendships, Bland insists his competitive instincts remain as strong as ever.

“Everybody’s here wanting to win. If I’m battling Stevie G down the stretch on Sunday, we’re both going to want to win. That’s just in your competitive nature.

“Of course I want to play well, but I’m just looking forward to the week.”

The tournament also holds personal significance for Bland, whose parents moved to Spain permanently last year, providing an opportunity to spend time with family alongside his final competitive appearance of 2026.

Looking ahead, the Englishman has not ruled out further appearances on the Staysure Legends Tour as he considers his playing schedule for 2027.

“I certainly want to slow down. I don’t want to play 25 tournaments anymore. Twelve to fifteen is perfect for me,” he explained.

“I don’t know what 2027 looks like right now, but we’ll see.”

With two Senior Major titles already to his name and a competitive drive that shows little sign of fading, Bland’s debut adds another compelling storyline to the Champions UK plc European Senior Masters as the Staysure Legends Tour returns to La Manga Club.

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