Rory McIlroy’s popularity during this week’s Irish Open is already under threat from visiting American Keegan Bradley.
McIlroy’s got more than one million followers on Twitter but it was the reigning PGA Champion pinching himself at the reception he’s received since touching down in Northern Ireland.
Bradley got his first full look at Royal Portrush yesterday (Tuesday) playing a practice round with triple Major winning Padraig Harrington.
Keegan Bradley tees off at Royal Portrush watched by Padraig Harrington. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
And while Harrington’s still his popular best it was the 26-year old Vermont-born Bradley fans were rushing to get near.
Last August, Bradley became the only the second player since 1913 to win a Major Championship on debut when he came from five shots back, and with just three holes to play, to defeat fellow American Jason Duffner in Altanta.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the Irish Open since I was little, so I’ve finally got the chance,” said Bradley who has family roots in the Cork region.
“I am not sure if they would have let me play before my PGA Championship win.
“I came to Ireland once but when I was seven but my Irish heritage is something I have always been proud of and I’ve always wanted to represent Ireland in the Irish national championships.”
However despite Bradley’s Irish heritage the Irish Open will be his first-ever event on European soil.
And if he should walk off with the trophy then the crowd can blame 2010 U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell and reigning Open Champion, Darren Clarke who are both members Royal Portrush.
“I talked with ‘G Mac’ and Rory and they were saying me to come over this week,” said Bradley.
“But then when I said I was thinking of coming over it was ‘G Mac’ and Darren Clarke because I spoke with Darren at the Grand Slam last year and Darren was saying you just got to do it.
“I really like those guys and I trust them a lot.
“But ever since I got here everyone has been great and so nice to me as I really didn’t know what to expect, and I’m just so happy I’ve come over here.
“However after the overnight flight from Newark I am grinding at the moment and struggling with jet lag.
“But I’ve done the tourist thing and been to the Giants Causeway and was given a tour of Bushmill’s Distillery, and did a little sampling.
“So it’s been an unbelievable reception and it’s amazing how I’ve been received, and it’s been everything I thought it would be.”
