“My hands were so shaky and I couldn’t stop them.” Bradley Neil was three days out from his Masters debut and was about to embark on one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of his life.
He slowly walked from the putting green and watched as a crowd packed seven deep scurried to find the best viewing position around the first tee box.The Blairgowrie amateur realised the dazzling-eyed spectators had not pitched up for him but had their eyes on his practice round playing partner.
It was Rory McIlroy.“I had organised to play 18 holes with Rory on the Monday,” said Bradley, then a fresh-faced 19-year-old and winner of the British Amateur Championship.“We agreed a time and there is a putting green right outside the clubhouse, behind the first