26 March 2022
Richard Bland was knocked out of the last 16 of the WGC-Dell Match Play by Dustin Johnson, effectively ending his run at a spot in The Masters.
The 49-year-old was the focus of huge attention throughout the week, knowing that he would secure a place at Augusta if he could reach the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings.
Richard started the week with a half against Bryson DeChambeau and then victories against Talor Gooch and Lee Westwood were enough for him to win his group.
He was two up early against Johnson but eventually lost 3&2 and was a career high of 53 on the Official World Golf Rankings.
Bland, a first-time winner on the DP World Tour in 2021, has taken yet more confidence from his strong run at Austin Country Club.
He said: "When I have my best stuff - and I don't think I did this week - I can play against these guys. I can walk away with my head held high.
"I'm guessing no-one was really expecting a 49-year-old rookie to get through the group stages but I did."
Richard plays next week's Valero Open in San Antonio
