A close friend of former football star and fellow Southampton resident Matthew Le Tissier, who has caddied for him on several occasions, Bland had to secure his playing rights for 2012 at the 2011 European Tour Qualifying School after finishing 162nd in The Race to Dubai. Showed his class at PGA Catalunya Resort to take the fourth card. The year before he had enjoyed his most lucrative season, finishing 65th in The Race to Dubai thanks largely to a tied third place finish at the Avantha Masters and tied fifth at the 3 Irish Open. Ran Nick Dougherty close for the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award in 2002. Has earned his European Tour playing privileges three times via the Challenge Tour Rankings – in 2001, 2004 and 2008 - and is coached by Sky Sports commentator Tim Barter.