Bradbury can’t really complain after a 63
ENGLISHMAN Dan Bradbury took full advantage of a sponsor’s invitation and led the suspended first round of the Joburg Open with an eight-under-par 63 at Houghton Golf Club yesterday.
But South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence managed to take some of the spotlight with an historic first for SA professional golf.
Bradbury, who got the news last Friday that he had an invitation to the tournament, made it into the clubhouse with a round featuring two eagles before the second suspension of the day due to lightning. It earned him a one-stroke clubhouse lead over Germany’s Nick Bachem.
“It was pretty good to be fair. I can’t really complain. I had some momentum on my second nine and then the first thunderstorm stopped that. But I can’t really complain with a 63. It’s as good a start as I could’ve wished for,” said Bradbury.
Defending champion Lawrence grabbed his own share of the headlines when it was announced that he had won the DP World Tour’s Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award for his two victories, – one of which was the Joburg Open last November – six top-10s and a major debut this past season. He is the first SA golfer to ever receive this award.
Lawrence celebrated that achievement with an opening 5-under-par 66 to place him just three shots off the clubhouse lead.
“It’s a dream come true,” Lawrence said of his award. “If you look at the names on the trophy, it’s incredible. A year ago I didn’t even have a category, so when I started off with a victory, it came to mind straight away to go for this award. To have accomplished it is an incredible feeling – I’m very grateful and honoured.”
Bradbury was equally grateful to have received an invitation, and to make his first trip to SA.
“I got the phone call on Friday afternoon, so this past weekend was just about getting out here and seeing what I could do. My mom (Sandra) is with me as well, so it’s nice to have a bit of company. I’m loving it out here. I got nice and sunburnt yesterday – made that mistake,” Bradbury said.
And he was also loving his first experience of golf at altitude.
“This is my first time playing at altitude. I’ve had a local caddie who’s been great helping me get used to it. The ball’s going miles here. Sometimes it just doesn’t make sense. Both eagles (on the par-5 3rd and 5th holes) were great drives and I had nine irons into both. If you can hit it straight off the tee on those it’s key because they’re not the longest holes.”