Bryson DeChambeau stands in the way of Richard Bland’s ‘dream’ Masters qualification.

Although DeChambeau has received so much criticism in recent years, Bland’s rebuke is unlikely to have received much attention in the American’s notoriously crowded head.

Regardless, Bland’s mind will be on other things, not least the possibility of becoming the oldest professional to ever make his debut at The Masters, at the age of 49.

The Southampton man’s inclusion in the field designated for the top 64 available players in the global rankings (Rory McIlroy is one of five withdrawals as he pursues another road to Augusta) is an incredible achievement.

Bland was competing in the Royal Bahrain Open on the Middle East and North Africa Tour three years ago this week, earning a total prize fund of $75,000, which the 32nd-placed golfer would win in the Match Play. Bland lost his European Tour card in 2018 after his brother, Heath, was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness that required him to be placed in an induced coma for a month. At 46, it appeared like his nearly two-decade career might finish without a win.

Bland regained his privileges last year, winning the British Masters on his 478th Tour appearance, and is now on the edge of wonderland thanks to additional strong performances including as his play-off loss to Viktor Hovland last month.

“Qualifying for the Masters would be the cherry on top,” Bland told Telegraph Sport on Monday. “I’d played there previously with a member buddy, and while I’ve always had an open mind about what’s possible in such a bizarre game as this, I doubted I’d ever get the chance to play in the Masters.” I know I won’t be able to focus on it this week, but it will be difficult if I make it to the weekend knockout stages.”

If Brand can go through his group, statisticians believe he’ll be able to break into the world’s top 50 by Monday’s deadline. He will, however, have to beat out a four-man field that includes DeChambeau, fellow English veteran Lee Westwood, and PGA Tour winner Talor Gooch. It is a daunting job for the world No 60, but he is confident that he will not fail because he is intimidated. Even DeChambeau’s length isn’t enough.

“I’ve been around the block too many times to attempt to outdrive such and so or whatever,” he remarked. “I’m confident that if I play my own game, I can defeat anyone on any given day.”Yes, if I faced [world No. 1] Jon Rahm ten times, he would probably beat me eight out of ten times. But for me, that’s two…

“Golf, especially matchplay, produces strange results.” All I want to make sure of is that I gave each shot my all. I’ll be satisfied if I can say I have at the end of the week. In golf, I believe in earning what you deserve and never giving up on a dream until it’s absolutely necessary.”

Over the last year, Bland’s narrative has been one of golf’s most inspiring. Since his breakthrough at the Belfry, he has received “thousands of messages,” with people thanking him for giving them hope in their own problems. “I’m humbled if I’ve assisted one person on their journey,” he remarked.

His upbeat personality contrasts sharply with the negative feelings that have developed around DeChambeau. There have been rule wranglings, a barrage of grand proclamations, and a flirtation with the Saudi Super Golf League.

DeChambeau was captured on camera one again without bothering to yell a caution to spectators as his ball traveled in their direction last October. “Bryson hammering it into the crowd again off the tee & no shout of “FORE,” tweeted Bland. Perhaps he needs to be gravely harmed before he learns.”

Has DeChambeau learned his lesson? Will playing against such a strong but humble persona help in the transformation process? What’s clear is that, following a two-month layoff due to a wrist injury – and all the usual speculation about his powerful swing and punishing training – he’ll be the center of attention when he returns.

Bland will be all set. He’s been looking forward to this for a long time.