Bradley invigorated by a long tee-break
Blair pro cards opening 67 at the Nordea Masters
Bradley Neil hopes a four week break from competition has recharged the batteries and set-up him up nicely for the remainder of the season.
The Blairgowrie European Tour professional welcomed the time for rest and relaxation following a hectic schedule packed full of travel.
He admits that his body was struggling after last month’s Scottish Open at Gullane but is now feeling fresh and raring to go.
“I was on holiday in Tuscany for seven days during The Open,” Bradley said. “It was great to get away, relax and not touch a club for a while.
“We had no wifi and signal in our house so I was just away from the world for a while.
“Although that didn’t stop me going into a small town cafe to watch Tiger on the final day.
“It’s been fantastic [on the European Tour]. I’ve played a lot of amazing, top quality events and courses.
“But my body was in bits after Scotland, so having the past month at home was much needed.
“Rest and recovery is vital for performance and I probably haven’t done that enough to be honest.
“I’m keeping an open mind. I’ve changed a few things and I’m feeling really optimistic about them, so anything is possible. I’ve just got to go out and play golf again.”
Bradley carded a three-under par 67 in the opening round of the Nordea Masters in Gothenburg yesterday.
“I’d never played the course before Tuesday,” he told the PA. “There are a lot of walks between tees but it’s a fantastic layout.
“The fairways are wet so I think this week is going to favour a big hitter, but you really never know.”
Muckhart golfer Calum Hill, meanwhile, is planning to cut out the uncharacteristic mistakes as he goes in search of Challenge Tour glory.
The former Perth and Kinross County player has been teeing-up on the second tier of European golf since making the cut in June’s US Open.
He beat off competition from the likes of Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia to advance to the weekend at a tricky Shinnecock Hills.
The 23-year-old’s summer has included promising performances at the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge and the Euram Bank Open.
Hill pegged-up at the Galgorm Resort and Spa Northern Ireland Open yesterday for what is his fifth appearance on the Challenge Tour.
“It’s been a little sketchy so far – but I believe it will click together soon,” said Hill, speaking to the Challenge Tour before getting under way.
“At the moment I’m just making a lot of errors which is a little uncharacteristic and a little strange as I normally don’t make as many bogeys or even doubles.
“But the birdies are still there so if I manage to narrow down the mistakes I should be just fine and hopefully it will all come together over the next few weeks.”
Hill, who spent six years playing and coaching at Western New Mexico University, is enjoying his time on the Challenge Tour.
It’s an environment the former Kinross High School pupil is still getting used to.
Bradley Neil is back in action after a four week break and teed-off early at (inset) Hills Golf Club in Sweden yesterday
And he added: “It’s a really good level of competition. I mean last week 21-under-par was in a play-off – so that’s impressive.
“It’s a little more hectic I guess. I’ve never gone back to back so much.
“Northern Ireland will be my fifth in a row and just travelling where you leave on a Sunday, get a flight out on a Monday, get back playing on a Tuesday and then start preparing for Thursday is a little busier than I’m used to, but I’m enjoying it.
“I know five or six of the young Scottish guys as they are about my age and to see them all playing so well, week in week out, is really good.
“That regular progression towards the European Tour can only help all of us.”