BLAND IN NAME ONLY

Rich Masters it at last

- Neil McLeman

Richard Bland made “the dream come true” as he became the oldest first-time winner on the European Tour at 48.

The Southampton fan revealed fellow pro David Howell had told him during the British Masters that he had dreamed the wait was about to end.

And Bland went on to lift a title at the 478th attempt by beating Italian Guido Migliozzi on the first hole of a playoff after both were 13-under 275 through 72 holes at The Belfry.

Robert MacIntyre, the top-ranked player in the field, held a share of the lead after birdies on the second and third. However, the lefty signed for a one-under 71 to finish joint eighth on 10 under with fellow Scot Calum Hill(71) and Edoardo Molinari (71).