6 minute read
MOLORI UNPLUGGED
By John Molori
Keegan Bradley: a portrait of passion and preparation
OF THE MANY NORTHEAST GOLF STARS, there are few who “Normally, I am used to hitting the shots I need under shine brighter than Woodstock, VT native Keegan Brad- pressure. I just didn’t do it on that occasion. I am getting myley. Born into golf royalty as the son of PGA pro Mark Bradley self in the hunt more and more. That’s what I like, and that and the nephew of World Golf Hall of Famer and LPGA leg- is giving me a lot of confidence.” end Pat Bradley, Keegan Bradley has forged his own brilliant Confidence is a word that has not been used a lot for any career on the PGA TOUR of us since March of since his rookie year of 2020. The specter of 2011. COVID-19 has changed
A consistent champi- lives throughout the onship threat week in world. “COVID has and out, the 34-year-old affected everyone differBradley discusses where ently,” says Bradley. his game is currently. “It has forced every“My game feels really one to do things differgood right now,” says ently, so it is just a case Bradley, who lives in of adapting to change. Jupiter, FL. “It really has On a personal level, it been trending in the meant I got to see my right direction for the family a lot more, which last few months.” was nice. On a profes-
Indeed, at this year’s sional level, it probably Valspar Championship resulted in my game at Innisbrook, Bradley stagnating without the set the pace for much competitive reps, but of the tournament with I am close to where I scores of 64, 66, and 69 want to be right now.” in the first three rounds. “Normally, I am used to hitting the shots Bradley set the pace With a final round score of 71, he finished in sec- I need under pressure. I just didn’t do it for his career early, winning the 2011 PGA ond place, three strokes on that occasion. I am getting myself in Championship at the behind Sam Burns. the hunt more and more. Atlanta Athletic Club. It
An errant shot on the was a thrilling tour13th hole spelled doom for Bradley’s championship hopes. nament with Bradley besting Jason Dufner in a three-hole It was a tournament from which he could take away many playoff for his only major championship. positives as well as learning points. He has also posted PGA TOUR wins at the 2011 HP Byron
He explains, “I played really well all week on a very de- Nelson Championship, the 2012 World Golf Championmanding golf course, I love it there. I hit one bad shot at the ships-Bridgestone Invitational, and the 2018 BMW Chamwrong time, and it cost me the tournament. pionship. Bradley has competed in and won several New
England events and was a member of the 2013 Presidents Cup team and 2012 and 2014 Ryder Cup team.
A lot of players say that golf is in their blood. Bradley means it. “I have been playing golf as long as I can remember. I used to go to the course with my dad as a child. I remember just hanging out with him from dawn until dusk. It was just fun for me.”
Still, golf was not the only sport for young Mr. Bradley. He relates, “I used to ski race as well. Growing up in Vermont, I would ski in the winter and then play golf in the summer. I think if I played golf year-round, there’s a chance I could have gotten burned out.”
In addition to his dad, Bradley also learned the game from one of its most decorated and respected stars, Pat Bradley, winner of 31 LPGA events including 6 majors. “Aunt Pat has had a huge influence on my career,” relates Bradley.
“I used to love going to watch her play when I was growing up. I think we are very similar. She had a relentless drive and an incredible focus. She is a tough competitor, and I would like to think we share these qualities.”
So, after more than a decade of success on the PGA TOUR, what exactly keeps Bradley motivated? He responds, “I love competing, and I love what I do. I can’t imagine doing anything else. The level of play is getting better and better on the PGA Tour and to compete, you have to keep improving, otherwise you get left behind. I love and welcome that challenge every day.”
Another challenge that Bradley faces is all about balance. He and wife Jillian have two children, Logan and Cooper. Finding the time for golf excellence and family life remains a constant. Says Bradley, “Any professional athlete will tell you that the work/life balance is difficult, but family always has been and always will be a priority for me.
“I am very fortunate to have an understanding wife and two great kids. It has been difficult for them to travel with me during COVID, but as things start to open up, we will be able to travel to more tournaments together.”
As Bradley enters the second decade of his career, he assesses the state of the sport and his eternal desire to excel. “I think the PGA TOUR and golf in general are very healthy right now. The standard of play is getting better all the time, so my goals remain the same. I want to win again. Winning and playing Ryder Cups and President’s Cups is why I work so hard.”
John Molori is an award-winning author and columnist for numerous publications. Like him on Facebook at John Molori, Twitter @MoloriMedia. Email molorimedia@gmail.com.
Raise MORE with the
Leaderboard FORE!
1
#1 On Course Fundraising contest in New England! One of a kind Par 4 Closest to the Pin Challenge from 300+ yards. Over 2,500 Events Since 2014.
2
Supercharged spin on the traditional putting contest where golfers compete in a high stakes Hole In One challenge for $10,000.
3
Specialized skills challenge where golfers compete to shatter a pane of glass from 25 yards. Shatter last year’s results with this new fundraising contest.
4
All inclusive bundle including up to 5 holes covered under 1 policy. Grand prize options include: $10K, Trip for 2 to the 22' Masters and a Pebble Beach Dream Getaway.
