The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Aviemore confirmed for Neil’s pro debut
Blairgowrie’s Bradley Neil has confirmed he will launch his professional career this week at the SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge hosted by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts in Aviemore.
The 19- year- old former Amateur champion played his last round in the unpaid ranks on Friday at the US Open at Chambers Bay, and yesterday confirmed that his pro debut will be in the £180,000 Scottish leg of the Challenge Tour, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, at the Macdonald Spey Valley Golf Club in the Highlands.
Neil’s Amateur Championship title at Royal Portrush a year ago opened the door to play in three major championships: the Open at Hoylake last year, the Masters in April and an appearance at Chambers Bay.
He also played as an amateur in the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa, the Joburg Open and the Irish Open on the European Tour, and in Jack Nicklaus’s Memorial Tournament on the PGA Tour.
He also previously played in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
After signing off with a 73 at Chambers Bay, he feels the time is now right to relinquish his amateur status.
He said: “After winning the Amateur Championship, it’s been so good to get the chance to play in three majors and a bunch of European Tour events.
“That’s why I feel so prepared to turn pro now.”
Neil added: “It’s the next step. I’ve made a lot of steps through the ranks in my short time as a golfer, but this is the biggest step and probably the most challenging step I’ll ever take.
“But the way I played in the second round last week 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, because I know how much work I need to do, but I’m sure it’s going to be fun.”
He knows the 7,108-yard Macdonald Spey Valley course well.
“Making your pro debut anywhere is special, but to do it in my home country will be extra special,” he said.
It’s also nice to start my pro career on a course I know and if I play as well as I know I can, I should hopefully be able to make the cut and take home my first pay cheque.
“It’s a fairly long course so you need to play well off the tee, but my driving is one of my strengths so hopefully that should give me a bit of an advantage. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Neil has signed a management deal with Excel Sports, the company run by Tiger Woods’ long-time agent Mark Steinberg which looks after the affairs of the former world No 1, Justin Rose and Matt Kuchar.