They have played for bragging rights around home course Blairgowrie on countless occasions over the years.
But, next week, Perthshire professional Bradley Neil could well be facing off against the Graham brothers in a more competitive environment.
Neil will be representing Team Paul Lawrie in a new professionals versus elite amateurs challenge match at the Trump International Golf Links. Lining-up for the amateur squad, fronted up by team captain Spencer Henderson, will be Connor and Gregor Graham.
“I was actually at their house last week and I’d said I was playing in this match,” Neil smiled. “And Gregor’s face lit up. Wee Connor was the exact same. I know they want to come up against me. They are so keen, but it’s fantastic.”
Gregor (19) and Connor (16) are both part of Scottish squads and compete across the country, continent and even beyond in some cases.
Since they were little they have watched, practiced and shared the fairways with Neil, who turned pro back in 2015 and is now 27 years of age.
“Gregor beat me before I went to Dubai at the start of the year over nine holes,” Neil recalled. “And he keeps going on about it. But it’s all good fun.
“He has matured excellently over the last couple of years. He was unfortunate with injury but took full advantage of the South Africa trip he was just on. I’ve seen the development in his game.
“And Connor has had some great performances. He is constantly playing out of his age group, but that is brilliant. He is challenging at men’s level and that is only going to make him better.
“They are both serial winners. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bounce game. They are just so determined to beat you. They have a very supportive family and great people around them.”
Neil reckons the challenge match is a fantastic way for amateurs to pick the brains of those who have turned professional. He admits there is probably a little added pressure on the team of pros to come out victorious!
“It is great to be a part of,” he said. “I remember being a junior and in a room listening to guys like Colin Montgomerie, Stephen Gallacher and Richie Ramsay talk about professional life. I was able to pick their brains.
“The likes of Bob MacIntyre, Grant Forrest or Ewen Ferguson obviously aren’t playing but we have a good mix of guys. It is a mix of different professionals who are fantastic players in different ways. We have also got to pro in different ways too.
“It is important for kids and amateurs to know there is a life for professional golfers which isn’t just winning majors and playing on the DP World Tour.”
This coming season Neil hopes to get as many Challenge Tour starts as possible, but growing opportunities on home soil will prove beneficial. He highlighted the work being done by the Tartan Pro Tour and Big Johnson’s Tour.
“There are more playing opportunities within Scotland now to keep your game sharp, which I think is brilliant,” he said.
“I know I can play in those and, in regards to the Challenge Tour, I have a few invites to events lined-up.
“I have a pretty basic category this year so I am just hoping I can squeeze into a few more.”
Neil warmed up for the season earlier this year with a warm weather trip to Dubai where he also played in a couple of MENA Tour events in Egypt.
