Bradley closing in on Euro dream
Bradley Neil is on the verge of booking a dream ticket to the European Tour.
But the Blairgowrie golf ace insists he will be taking it one shot at a time as his season approaches an exciting finale.
Bradley will earn himself a European Tour card if he finishes in the top 15 of the Challenge Tour’s Road to Oman order of merit.
The 21-year-old currently sits 14th ahead of this week’s Ras Al Khaimah, 2017 Golf Challenge in the United Arab Emirates.
Last week, Bradley carded solid rounds of 70, 69, 69 and 72 at the Foshan Open in Nanhai District, Foshan City, China to remain in the mix.
“I’m pleased to be in the top 15 with a chance but I would be happier if I had already secured my card, ”he explained to the Blairie.
“I have to prepare well for the last two events and just see what happens. It is in my control.
“In terms of where I play next year and potentially fast forwarding my career it’s obviously important but in terms of my whole golf career, I don’t know how important it is.
“It’s always been a goal of mine to play on the European Tour and I have a great chance to do that.
“I’m confident in the way I’m preparing for events, the way I’m swinging and playing so of course I feel like I can improve on my position.
“I’m going to have to keep a few people’s heartbeats low come the Sunday of Oman.
“If I start getting ahead of myself then come three weeks time I won’t have a European Tour card.
“It’s not even a case of one round at a time but one shot at a time. Control what I can control and do the best I can, that is all I can ask of myself.”
Two weeks back, at the Hainan Open, also China, Bradley recovered from an opening round three over par 75 to eventually finish tied 26th.
That fightback could prove crucial when the season finishes in Oman at the beginning of November.
Bradley said: “I was very pleased considering it was the first time I’ve played golf in China.
“Adapting to the weather, the courses and getting over the travel and time difference are all factors that can make it difficult.
“I never hit the ball badly in the first round, I just didn’t hole a putt so I knew I had a chance of making the weekend.”