Scotland call and a hole in one too!

Nov 21 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

BLAIRGOWRIE star Bradley Neil has capped a memorable season with a call-up into the Scotland U16 squad.

The gifted 12-year-old even posted his first ever hole in one, at the fourth on the Wee Course at Blairgowrie Golf Club, where he is a member.

Bradley, who is also a Craigie Hill member, was recommended for Scotland coaching by Perth and Kinross County.

He impressed in the national trials, which saw 150 boys under 16 battling for one of the 10 slots available at St Andrews.

Despite his youth, Bradley made the grade and now starts a rigorous training programme preparing for international games next season against England and Wales

The Blairgowrie High School pupil admits it’s been a dream season, starting with a County call-up for lessons at Gleneagles

At the start of the season Bradley's handicap was 10 and he was selected along with other Perthshire U14's to take part in the county U14's coaching medal over Rosemount's Wee Course. He won it with a scratch 68.

Bradley has also been receiving valuable coaching from Blairgowrie club pro Charles Dernie, reducing his handicap to six over the summer.

Father Rodney said: “On advice from Charles we entered Bradley into as many Junior Opens as possible.

“He went on to win at King James VI with a scratch 70, Kirriemuir with a scratch 75 and Ladybank with a scratch 77, despite having a nine on his card at the second hole, when many players would have ripped up their cards.”

Bradley also won the A and J Stephen Handicap Trophy which is played over three Perthshire golf courses, King James, Craigie Hill and Murrayshall. He lost out on the scratch prize by a single shot.

He has also posted several second and third finishes over the season at other Junior Opens.

On the home front Bradley has won several Rosemount Junior club medals, club competitions and was beaten in the semi-finals of the Junior Championship.