BRADLEY TRIP PUT ON HOLD
New Covid wave delays South African tour
Blairgowrie golf star Bradley Neil has had his plans for a return to action disrupted by the new wave of Covid-19.
The local professional had been preparing for tournament action in South Africa next month alongside fellow Perthshire player Danny Young.
Three Challenge Tour events had been pencilled in, but the pandemic has resulted in all three being pushed back until at least either the end of April or the beginning of May.
Tournament organisers have said the decision was made for the “health and wellbeing of all players and staff ”.
The ‘South African Swing’ will now begin in the week of April 22 to 25, followed by the Cape Town Open at Royal Cape Golf Club from April 29 until May 2 and then the Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt Golf Estate from May 6 to 9.
Recent weather conditions, especially a heavy frost, has allowed little chance to get out on courses here in Scotland.
Due to their professional status, both Neil and Young are able to travel for warm weather training and are set to put in the hard work in Dubai this month to prepare for upcoming action.
Blairgowrie Golf Club member Neil said: “No gyms here are open, the courses aren’t great at the moment and the weather is freezing so it seems
the smart choice.
“I’m very lucky that I can get away for a warm weather camp.”
Young, of Perth and a member of Craigie Hill Golf Club, understands and accepts why the events need to be postponed.
“I was definitely expecting these three events to be cancelled or pushed back,”he said.
“It’s the best decision for us not to go there at this time. It’s difficult for the Challenge Tour to get things up and running.
“It’s difficult times for everyone.” Thankfully for Young the Noah’s Ark Golf Centre in Perth has remained open in recent weeks.
Young continued:“I’ve been up at Noah’s Ark pretty much every day since lockdown. The boys up there will be sick of me.
“But there is nothing much else to do. I’m fortunate that the driving range has still been open because I don’t know what I’d be doing.
“They are good enough, if it’s free, to let me use them to help with my practice. I can still put in the work to get ready for whenever I need to be ready for.”
He went on:“I’m looking at three or four weeks to get preparation in for the season.
“The facilities out there are brilliant and the weather is perfect. It’s a great opportunity to play and practice.
“Elite athletes need to train and be in an environment that can help improve them. For us to be able to get away with everything going on is a massive bonus.
“All the golfers I know are grateful and we’re in a privileged position to be able to do that.”