John Louis Bland, a South African professional golfer who won over thirty professional events around the world, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the age of 77, following a battle with cancer. The specific form of cancer, however, was not specified.

Bland’s death was announced by South Africa’s Sunshine Tour golf circuit. He died Tuesday “after a battle with cancer,” the Sunshine Tour said.

Bland, who was born on September 22, 1945, and turned professional in 1969, was a leading player on the Southern African Tour for nearly twenty years.

During the northern summers, he competed on the European Tour, where he won twice.

Six times, he finished in the top 20 of the Order of Merit.

Bland primarily played on the Champions Tour in the United States after turning fifty in 1995.

On the tour, he won five tournaments, including four in 1996, when he finished third in the money list.

Bland is survived by his wife, Sonja, three children, John-Mark, Bonney, and Candice, as well as three grandchildren.