Sonja Bland is the wife of golf legend John Bland from South Africa. The couple met in 1998.
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Sonja has become of interest following the death of her husband which occured on Wednesday, May 9, after a long fight with cancer.
Speaking on his loss and paying respect to a “unique man,” Sonja explained that, while the family is saddened by his death, they are grateful that John’s suffering from cancer is ended.
When they first met, Sonja stated that she sensed John was unique right away.
“As a family we are relieved that John’s suffering is over,” she said.
“I met John 25 years ago and I knew immediately what a special man he was. The support and loving we have received from his lifelong friends during this time has been incredible and we are all grateful that John is now at peace.”
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Much is not known about Sonja’s personal and professional life.
John Bland, born on September 22, 1945, began his professional career in 1969 and was a leading golfer and well-liked character on the Sunshine Tour and international circuit for decades.
He won the 1970 Transvaal Open, following in the footsteps of some of South Africa’s finest ever players, including Sid and Jock Brews, Bobby Locke, and Gary Player.
Bland defeated Player to win the South African PGA Championship in 1977. He also four times won the Sunshine Tour’s Order of Merit.
Bland won twice on the DP World Tour (European Tour) and reached a career high of 48th on the Official World Golf Ranking.
Bland won five tournaments on the PGA Tour Champions and three times on the Legends Tour during his senior career.
His wife, Sonja, three children, John-Mark, Bonney, and Candice, as well as three granddaughters, survive him.
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