Back home in New England this week for the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston, Keegan Bradley’s looking to jump inside the top 10 in the FedExCup standings (he’s at No. 11 now) and world rankings (No. 12). The Vermont native tied for 13th last year, helped in large part by his Saturday-best 63.
Related Links: Keegan on Wrap-Up Show | Baba Whoey? | Howard Is Good For Golf
He’ll have the fans on his side – because the Bostonians will undoubtedly cheer on a fellow Boston sports fan, and because Bradley boasts fans everywhere he goes. He’s one of the few who makes it a point to acknowledge them, especially the ones who shout out “Baba Booey!”
And his week started off nicely. Check out this shot from the second annual Keegan Bradley Charity Golf Classic:
How can you not love Keegan Bradley? Here are seven reason why we do:
1) Baba Booey Booster
The lifelong Howard Stern fan loves when fans scream out odd/funny/creative phrases after players hit their shots, especially “Baba Booey,” which is the nickname of the Stern show’s executive producer, Gary Dell’Abate. In fact, he loves the phrase so much it’s now stamped on his clubs.
2) Big Sports Fan
If Bradley’s not on the course, he’s probably sporting his Red Sox cap. He seriously contemplated staying up late during the U.S. Open so he could watch the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is his “favorite athlete of all time.” That fandom led to Bradley being asked to throw out a pitch at Fenway Park, do the coin toss at Gillette Stadium, and drop the puck at TD Garden. The St. John’s University grad even has the school’s logo prominently on his golf bag.
3) Social Media Master
Instagram is how Bradley let the world know about the “Baba Booey” emblazoned on his new personalized wedge from Cleveland Golf. His @keeganbradley1 account also features shots of him Tebowing, at Bruins games, and at the Stern Show offices. On Twitter, @Keegan_Bradley has more than 242,000 followers, many of which he’ll interact with. #Dufnering took off in large part to Bradley’s Twitter prowess. He may or may not have started the popular internet meme, but he’s definitely been one of the main reasons it spread so quickly.
4) Friendly Competitor
Jason Dufner is one of Bradley’s best friends on tour. So much so that when Bradley heard Dufner was closing out his recent PGA Championship win, he was on his way to the airport but turned his car around so he could congratulate the big guy in person. After Dufner lovingly tapped his wife’s posterior, there was Bradley – donning a Sox cap – wrapping Dufner in a bear hug. Phil Mickelson is another good pal.
5) Jordan Golfing Buddy
Bradley resides in Jupiter, Fla. So does Michael Jordan. When the two are in town at the same time, they often hit the links together and this past spring, Bradley picked Jordan’s brain on how to be mentally tougher. Who else can say they give and get advice from Michael Jordan?
6) Dancing Machine
Every player performs a little routine to get settled in for a shot. Bradley’s no different, but definitely unique.
7) Lives the Dream
In kindergarten, when Bradley’s class got the ubiquitous question – “What do you want to be when you grow up?” – he promptly responded, “A professional golfer.” That goal seems more attainable when you have one in the family: LPGA star and World Golf Hall of Fame member Pat Bradley is Keegan’s aunt.
Related Links: “Baba Booey” On His Wedge | Keegan on Wrap-Up Show
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– Howard Stern Is Good For Golf
