Keegan Bradley produced a stunning six under 66 during the first round of the BWM Championship at Castle Pines Golf Club in Colorado.
The USA Ryder Cup captain carded three birdies on each nine and didn’t drop a shot to sit one shot clear of in-form Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama.
Bradley just made it through to the BMW Championship after claiming 50th spot in the FedEx Cup standings after the St Jude Championship. Close friend Billy Horschel called Bradley in Memphis to inform him of his place in this week’s event.
The 38-year-old has certainly taken advantage of this after making it to the second playoff event, although Bradley admitted that one hole was particularly challenging at Castle Pines.
Keegan Bradley details challenging hole at the BMW Championship
The BMW Championship is the longest course in PGA Tour history this week, and Bradley claimed the 535-yard par-four tenth was demanding.
“Yeah, the 10th hole is really tough tee to green. You’re hitting downwind into downhill, downwind on the second shot, over water,” Bradley said.
“So it’s hard to get that height on it to get it on the green. It’s a tough shot.”
Keegan Bradley on course for huge FedEx Cup boost
If Bradley wins this week, he will jump 46 spots to fourth in the standings, with only Matsuyama, Scottie Scheffler, and Xander Schauffele above him.
Of course, there’s a lot of golf still to play, but the early signs are good.
With several players outside the top 30 struggling to adjust to the demands of playing at altitude, there’s every chance of Bradley securing his Tour Championship spot even if he fails to land victory this week.
Right now, Matsuyama looks like his biggest competition. The 32-year-old is coming off a win at the St Jude and a bronze medal at the Olympics. Matsuyama appears to be hitting form at precisely the right time and looks set to challenge once more this week.
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