John Bland (golfer)

John Louis Bland (22 September 1945 – 9 May 2023) was a South African professional golfer who won more than thirty professional tournaments around the world.

Early life and career
Bland was born in Johannesburg, Union of South Africa. Turning professional in 1969, he was a leading player on the Southern African Tour for over twenty years. He spent the northern summers playing on the European Tour, where he won twice. He was a more consistent contender than this tally might suggest, as he finished in the top-20 on the Order of Merit six times.

After reaching the age of fifty in 1995, Bland played mainly on the United States-based Champions Tour. He won five tournaments on the tour, including four in 1996, when he finished third on the money list. He has also won three tournaments on the European Senior Tour.

Death
Bland died after battling cancer in George, Western Cape, South Africa, on 9 May 2023, at the age of 77.

Southern Africa Tour wins (19)
Southern Africa Tour playoff record (3–1)

Challenge Tour wins (1)

 * 1991 Martini Open

Other wins (2)

 * 1970 Transvaal Open
 * 1976 Holiday Inns Champion of Champions

Senior PGA Tour wins (5)
Senior PGA Tour playoff record (1–1)

European Senior Tour wins (3)
European Senior Tour playoff record (1–1)

Other senior wins (4)

 * 1997 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf (with Graham Marsh), Franklin Templeton Senior South African Open
 * 1998 Franklin Templeton Senior South African Open
 * 2010 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf – Raphael Division (with Graham Marsh)

Results in major championships
Note: Bland only played in The Open Championship. CUT = missed the half-way cut (3rd round cut in 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984 Open Championships) "T" = tied

Team appearances

 * World Cup (representing South Africa): 1975
 * Hennessy Cognac Cup (representing the Rest of the World): 1982
 * Dunhill Cup (representing South Africa): 1991, 1992