A Mixed Bag on the Desert Swing
Despite a series of mixed results on the Desert Swing and a missed cut at the South African Open, Dan Bradbury remains optimistic about the weeks ahead. The professional golfer is now setting his sights on Johannesburg, a place that holds a special place in his heart. It was here, at the Houghton Golf Club, that Bradbury secured his first DP World Tour victory in 2022, a moment that marked a significant milestone in his career. While the recent challenges have tested his resolve, Bradbury’s confidence is high as he returns to these familiar grounds, where he hopes to recapture the form that brought him success.
Navigating the Challenges in Durban
The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind, filled with a unique set of challenges. The South African Open in Durban, in particular, presented some unexpected hurdles. The region has experienced an unusually heavy rainfall, with over 500mm of rain in the past six weeks, turning the Durban Country Club into a wet and soggy course. Despite the challenging conditions, the course’s drainage system did wonders, ensuring that the fairways remained in remarkable shape. The rain made the greens softer and slower, but the overall playability was surprisingly good. The tournament organizers implemented a system for preferred lies, categorized as ‘green,’ ‘amber,’ and ‘red,’ with the latter allowing for a full club length’s drop. This proved to be a lifesaver, as players often had to deal with mud balls and the unpredictable nature of the course.
A Diverse Range of Obstacles
While the weather posed significant challenges, the course itself had its own set of obstacles. The tight fairways, lined with thick bushes, made finding lost balls a daunting task. It was not uncommon for players to opt for a penalty drop rather than risk getting stuck in the thick undergrowth. The added danger of local wildlife, particularly snakes, added an extra layer of tension. Bradbury, who has encountered his fair share of hazards on the course, emphasizes the importance of safety over finding a lost ball. "I’ve yet to encounter a snake on the course," he notes, "but it’s a different kind of danger compared to the alligators I’ve seen in the States." One of his tournament colleagues even had a close encounter with a spider in his hotel room, a reminder that the hazards of professional golf extend beyond the fairways.
Reflecting on Recent Performances
Reflecting on his recent performances, Bradbury acknowledges that the results have been mixed. Bahrain was a bright spot, where he finished inside the top 30 and felt good about his game. However, the Qatari experience was a different story. Despite his confidence and a favorable course, his putting let him down, leading to a disappointing result. "If you’re not sinking putts, you’re not scoring," Bradbury observes, highlighting the fine line between success and failure in professional golf. He points out that his playing partner, Dan Brown, who had a great week, made the crucial putts when it mattered. "We were playing similarly, but he just made the putts, and I didn’t," Bradbury reflects, underscoring the importance of consistency in the game.
Adjusting the Toolkit
In an effort to improve his performance, Bradbury has made a significant change to his setup, swapping his 3-iron for a 5-wood. This is the first real adjustment he has made to his bag, and he believes it will pay dividends in the long run. While a 3-iron is useful off the tee, a 5-wood provides better height and stopping power when approaching greens. "The new Ping G440 with a shorter shaft is a great addition to my bag," Bradbury says. "I didn’t get to use it much in Qatar, but I’m confident it will be a valuable tool moving forward."
Preparing for the Joburg Open and Beyond
This week, Bradbury returns to Houghton for the Joburg Open, a tournament that holds special significance for him. Winning here three years ago remains one of his proudest moments, and he is eager to add another chapter to his success story. The course may play longer and softer due to the recent rain, and the cooler conditions add another layer of complexity. However, Bradbury is undeterred, especially with the support of his parents, who are visiting South Africa for the first time. "My dad’s pretty excited to be here, and it will be great to have them out," Bradbury says. After the tournament, he plans to take his parents to Leopard Creek, one of his favorite places, for some downtime and game drives. Following that, they will head to Cape Town, a city he has yet to visit despite his frequent trips to South Africa.
Looking Ahead
After the Joburg Open, Bradbury will travel to Singapore for the Singapore Classic, before taking a much-needed six-week break. The first week will be a complete shutdown, allowing him to relax and recharge. He then plans to spend time in Portugal with friends before returning to full practice mode for the next four weeks. "Taking breaks is as much about resetting mentally as it is about physical preparation," Bradbury explains. During this break, he will also keep a close eye on his beloved Leeds United, a team he caught in action recently at Elland Road. "The club looks in good shape, but I’m trying not to jinx it," he jokes. For now, however, the focus is on this week’s event at Houghton, where Bradbury hopes to relive the magic of his past victory and create new memories.
