RICHARD Bland is going into the BMW PGA Championship with higher expectations than ever before.

The Southampton-based pro heads to Wentworth this week for the European Tour’s flagship event.

Bland will be part of a field that includes some of the planet’s best golfers, with world number four Lee Westwood heading the list.

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has entered, ending a self-imposed three-year exile from the tournament.

The Irishman had been extremely critical of the course’s greens, but has agreed to return after alterations made by Ernie Els.

World number six Ian Poulter, who has missed the last two years for the same reason, is also back.

But Bland, who has enjoyed his best ever start to a season, feels he is capable of mixing it with those stars when the tournament reaches its climax on Sunday.

“My expectations are higher, because I feel my game is at a higher level,” he said.

“I’m expecting to do well, whereas before I might not have been quite like that.

“That’s not to say I’m definitely going to do well, but I’m going there expecting to and there’s no reason why I can’t.

“If I get everything together and play well there’s no reason why I can’t be there on Sunday.”

For the full interview with Richard Bland, as well as your Hampshire golf round-up, pick up a copy of today's Daily Echo.