Neil’s efforts rewarded with parking space

Blairgowrie: Bradley is first P&K golfer in almost 40 years to get on to European Tour

Bradley Neil is the first Perth and Kinross golfer to claw his way on to the European Tour for nearly 40 years – an achievement that has been recognised by Blairgowrie Golf Club.

With honorary membership already bestowed on him after his amateur title triumph at Royal Portrush in 2014, now Neil has been handed his own parking space near the clubhouse door.

“It’s a lovely gesture by Blairgowrie Golf Club,” said the 22-year-old professional. “I have been a member since I was eight and they have done so much for me. We have always had a good relationship.

“Down the years I have represented the club at country, national and international level and since turning pro I have done my best to fly the flag for Blairgowrie. “Now I have my own parking space.” Captain Brian Wesencraft said: “We wanted to recognise Bradley’s latest achievement, which certainly enhances the reputation of the golf club.

“Members are proud of what he has done in his career and at just 22 we hope to be following his progress for years to come.

“Bradley is an inspiration to our younger members and it is great to see 13-year-old Cormac Sharp being selected for the Scotland U16 team for the Quadrangular Tournament in the Netherlands in April.”

Neil’s next tournament is in Perth, Western Australia, and he’s fitting in quality time in Dubai with coach Kevin Hale en route. “I am away for the next five weeks. “I’ll be getting some sun on my back and working with my coach before a run of tournaments. I have a new driver and woods in play and I feel I have built up confidence in them over the last few weeks.

“I suspect I will be drained after the last of the events on this leg given the heat we will be facing but I’m really looking forward to getting back playing.”

The ISPS Handa World Super Six Series event tees up on February 8.

“It’s at Lake Karrinyup and Blair has a reciprocal relationship with them so hopefully I can hook up with some of their members,” said Neil.

“After Perth, it’s on to Oman – and it will be great going back there after what happened in the Challenge Tour Grand Final last year when I clinched my Tour card – before Qatar and South Africa.”

Neil admits support on the home front has boosted his confidence.

He said: “I’ve had support from TaylorMade and Adidas since I was a youngster but it’s been great to have the backing of local businesses like Graham Environmental Services and Lamb and Gardiner.

“Blair isn’t a big place and it is special to have support from companies in and around the town. I’m in a relationship with people I trust and they know me well. They were there for me long before I turned pro.”

I’m in a relationship with people I trust and they know me well. They were there for me long before I turned pro. BRADLEY NEIL

Picture: Jim Irvine. Bradley Neil is in Dubai preparing for his next tournament.