In a season of achievement, there was one thing that Bradley Neil never managed to earn:
his driving licence. He could have had it by now, of course, except for the fact that the small matter of The Open in July clashed with his original test date. An amble around Hoylake with the best golfers in the world or a birl about the streets of Forfar with a stern-faced instructor and a clipboard? You didn't need a Highway Code to come to a decision on that one. "He's got the test rescheduled for February," reported Neil's dad, Rodney.
It's Neil's driving ambition that is steering him in the right direction on the golf course. Tonight, he is on the short list for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. Last week, he won a similar gong at the Scottish Sports Awards. A campaign which saw the 18-year-old win the Amateur Championship - a success which gave him that Open spot as well as an invitation to next April's Masters - and represent Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup at his home course of Blairgowrie, has brought Neil much wider attention, but the young Scot continues to keep his eye on the ball.
"It's been disappointing that I've not been able to attend these awards ceremonies," said Neil. "But having worked in the UAE at the winter training camp [with the Scottish Golf Union squad], and now being out in South Africa [competing in the European's Tour's Alfred Dunhill Championship], it's all about my preparations for the coming season. That has to be my focus."
Neil's progression through the amateur ranks has been impressive. Since claiming back-to-back wins in the Scottish Boys' under-14 Strokeplay Championship in 2008 and 2009, the Perthshire youngster has continued to fulfil that early potential. His victory in June's Amateur Championship was a real upping of the ante for this confident, composed and articulate teenager who has a clear vision of where he wants to go and what it will take to get there.
"He doesn't just go off and mindlessly do what I tell him to do," said his coach, Kevin Hale. "He's always thinking, always challenging things, always coming up with ideas. That's a coach's dream."
Neil's dream season, meanwhile, was a real eye-opener for him. Rounds of 79 and 76 saw him miss the cut in The Open but that rigorous introduction to golf at the highest level provided plenty of food for thought. "I was put on a different stage with millions of people watching and under pressure I'd never felt before," he said. "It was an invaluable experience."
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