But for now, Bland’s attention will be away from the LIV Tour as he looks to defend his Senior PGA title at Congressional Country Club in Maryland.

Last year, he won the tournament on his senior major debut, closing with an eight-under final round of 63 for a three-shot victory at Harbor Shores.

It was his first triumph since that British Masters win back in 2021.

“My game is in pretty good shape right now,” he said.

“If I play the golf I know I can play, I am confident I can be in the hunt come Sunday [but] there are a lot of legends out here that can still play to a very high level.

“I’m under no illusions that I’ll just turn up and take the trophy – I’ll have to play some of my stronger golf just to stand a chance and hopefully I can do that.

“Whatever happens this week it’s been an honour and privilege to be champion and hopefully that can continue.”

Last year, when he won the Senior PGA title, Bland dedicated the victory to his brother Heath, who had been diagnosed with cancer.

On Instagram, external the two posed for a photo with the trophy once Bland had returned home, sharing a message that the cup was with its “rightful owner”.

“His treatment has finished now and hopefully touch wood he will be fine,” Bland added.

“He has a battle every day – compared to what he had to go through, me hitting a white golf ball round a course means nothing.

“We all get frustrated because we care but it puts things into perspective that one poor shot is not life and death. I try to keep that close to myself and it brings me back to normality.

“But I want to play well to give my family something to be positive about. If I do that then I have done my job.”