Relaxed Bradley is under no pressure
Playing Down Under will be Oz-some experience
Bradley was ready to enjoy his time at the Australian PGA Championship Bradley Neil is grateful to be playing competitive golf.
So when the professional from Blairgowrie teed-up at the Australian PGA Championship this week, among a stellar field, there was no overriding feeling of pressure.
Weight was taken off the 20-year-old’s shoulders recently after booking a full season card on the Challenge Tour, European golf ’s second tier.
Before that journey begins, however, Neil is plying his trade with the world’s best on the European Tour at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on Australia’s Gold Coast. He opened up with a round one level par 72.
It’s an entry list which includes current world number seven Adam Scott and Neil said: “I got in to the event off my ranking from making the cut at final stage of European Tour qualifying school and I found out last Wednesday.
“It’s really good to be able to compete again. I’m expecting a very tough task from the course and one where a lot of mistakes will be made. I’m just really looking forward to playing golf.
“Whether I play well or not won’t influence next season that much, unless it’s a top 5 finish.
“I will just be happy to be out on the course instead of back home. You just can’t beat playing on the main tour. It’s where every aspiring pro wants to be.
“I’m very fortunate that I’ve had the opportunity to compete at a few events and see what I’m aiming for.
“Obviously the main goal is to be on the main tour but I feel like if I work hard on my own game then the results will take care of itself.”
Neil’s recent success at European Tour qualifying school - a 58th place finish after six gruelling rounds in Spain - resulted in stability for next season with a Challenge Tour passport.
“I take a huge deal of confidence away from Q School,” Neil told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“To shoot the last round score I did at stage two was unreal and I was glad it continued.
“I managed a few days rest over the weekend. This year was slightly easier physically than last because I had trained well and knew what I was getting into.
“Playing the previous year made a massive difference to my preparations but mentally it was tougher due to the position I was in.
“It’s a massive relief for next year. I feel like I’m playing on a tour full time next year that I can do well on. Winning an event would be great but obviously top 15 has to be in my sights.”