Bradley retains hope

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24: Keegan Bradley still believes — despite ending the first round six shots off the lead.

A year on from his Port Royal play-off win, Bradley is desperate to retain his Grand Slam of Golf title.

However, his bid got off to a horrible start with a double bogey at four followed by bogeys at five and six.

The 2011 PGA Championship winner battled hard though and clawed his round back to some degree, finishing one over but still with plenty of work to do if he is to get his hands on that trophy again.

The 26-year-old said: “I acually played very well other than four holes, so it’s a little disappointing to come out and shoot that number but the good thing is we have another day so things are good.

“I’ve been six shots back before with less time so I look forward to going out tomorrow and making a million birdies and having a good time. It’s been a really enjoyable group.

“Everyone is so nice and friendly and Padraig played great today. If he plays like he did in the first round, I have no chance but I look forward to a nice challenge.”

Of the three holes that left him four over after six holes, he refused to be too downbeat, especially over his bunker woes on four.

“On four I was plugged in the downslope in the bunker and I tried to hit a low bumper and it missed the hill by a fraction - it was actually a really good shot.”

He added: “I had some bad lies out there. But I played really well and I could have let it really slip away but I fought back and had a few lip out as well so it could have been a lot better than it was.”