Neil declares himself ready to turn pro

SCOTLAND’S Bradley Neil vowed not to make any major changes after bringing an end to his amateur career with a second round of 73 in the US Open at Chambers Bay.

The 19-year-old, who won the Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush last year, carded five bogeys and two birdies to finish nine over par for the tournament after an opening 76.

“It was good to sort of finally play some of the golf that I’ve been playing in practice rounds,” said Neil, who also missed the cut on his Masters debut at Augusta National. “It was nice to play some good golf at a major event. I’m pleased.

“I maybe hit a few more fairways and a few more greens [in the second round]. Yesterday was just a couple of bad swings. I got unlucky a couple of times. I ran up some big numbers.”

Asked what he would take from the week, Neil added: “That I played in a US Open. Not many people can say they’ve played in three majors by the time they are 19.

“That’s what’s been so good about this last year from winning the Amateur, you get to play three majors and a bunch of PGA and European tournaments. That’s why I feel so prepared to turn pro now.

“It’s the next step. Obviously I made a lot of steps through the age ranks in my short time as a golfer, but this is the biggest step and the most challenging step I’ll take. Today’s performance gives me a lot of confidence going into the rest of this year as a pro. I’ve just got to keep working hard. It’s not going to be easy. I know how much work I need to do and I know what I need to work on. It’s going to be fun.

“What a lot guys have said to me is don’t change what’s got you here.”