Wind hampers Chorley golfer's Open bid

4:02pm Wednesday 9th July 2008

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Chorley's Mark Bradley struck back from an ‘awful’ first round at Open Championship local final qualifying – but he admits the windy conditions were just too treacherous.

The 34-year-old struck a nine-over-par 81 on the opening day of qualifying at Southport & Ainsdale – his worst score since his teenage years.

But Bradley restored some pride with a gutsy 76 yesterday.

He was looking to clinch a spot in next week’s Open at Royal Birkdale but revealed conditions were just too severe.

“It was tough - very tough!” said Bradley. “It was extremely windy out there.

“You have to hit the fairways – simple as that. Unfortunately, on Monday, I hit too many fairway bunkers.

“My first round was horrendous. I haven’t had a worse score since I was a kid!.

“I played better in my second round. But it was so difficult out there and my card reflected that.”

By his own admission, Bradley, professional at Chorley for the last eight years, has not enjoyed a great year, but he has been hampered by a troublesome right knee.

He added: “I’ve had two operations on it. I just need to feel 100 percent right with my knee. It was a struggle actually walking around the course.”