Bigger things to come from Brad
Strong finish in Germany
Bradley Neil Bradley Neil hopes his confidence-boosting performance at the BMW International Open is the start of a special summer.
The European Tour player, from Blairgowrie, carded rounds of 75, 73, 70 and 69 at Gut Laerchenhof to make his debut appearance in Germany a memorable one.
Conditions were tough, especially in the early stages of the tournament, but Bradley was striking it crisply and finished strongly to move up to 33rd on one-under par as England’s Matt Wallace took the title.
Bradley said: “The last round in Germany was fantastic for me. I’m happy and proud of myself.
“I’ve struggled this season when I’ve made the cut, usually falling backwards, so it was nice to go out and constantly move up over the weekend. It bodes well for the rest of the season.
“I came into the event having worked on a few things and it’s great to get the four rounds under the belt.
“I was getting more comfortable every day, which is encouraging going into the next three big tournaments.”
Bradley’s performance set him up nicely for yesterday’s start at the Open de France at Le Golf National in Paris.
He said: “I played there three years ago and I’m really looking forward to getting back to the 18th hole. The last time I had a triple bogey to miss the cut by one.
“I’m one of hundreds of golfers who have a story on how they have finished the last four holes. Holes 15, 16 and 18 are brutal.
“But the atmosphere is going to be fantastic with big crowds. The Ryder Cup is going to be there a few months later so the course will be set up tough.”
Scottish supporters will again be out in force to follow the progress of Bradley. He was watched in Germany by dedicated golf fans from back home.
“I remember being out in China playing and a guy came up to me and said he was from Perth,” Bradley said. “Everywhere I go it’s always nice to see people from your home country.
“I spend so much time away from home so it’s great when people come and watch or introduce themselves.
“I love giving up my time, not just to them but also to kids that are wanting an autograph or a ball. It reminds me of what I was like 14 years ago. It doesn’t even matter if they don’t know my name. The smallest things can help inspire them.”