Special K!

Eleven of the last 12 USPGA winners had gone into the year's final major having won on either the PGA or European Tour earlier that same season, so by landing the Byron Nelson Championship in May - his first win - Bradley had ticked that box too.

But on a wider level, history gave him virtually no chance.

Bradley was playing in his very first major and only twice had debutants ever gone on to take victory - Ben Curtis in the Open Championship at Royal St. George's in 2003 and Francis Ouimet way back in the 1913 US Open.

History said this was a quite extraordinary victory. And conventional wisdom was taken aback too when Bradley chose to flourish rather than fold after what looked a tournament-wrecking triple bogey on the 15th hole of his final round.

Keegan is hot property right now so we were delighted he found time ahead of the FedExCup play-offs to speak to skysports.com about his epic victory.

Skysports.com: Hi Keegan. When you turned up in Atlanta, did you have any inkling that your game was ready to win a major?

KB: I have been practising for this my whole life. Whenever I show up to a tournament, I prepare well and feel like I have a chance to win and the PGA was no different. I had great practice sessions with my coach Jim McClean and felt ready!

SS: Were you aware of the stat that 11 of the previous 12 PGA winners had won on either the US or European Tour earlier that same season. And, if so, did it give you any added belief?

KB: I was not aware of that, so that obviously had no impact on me that week, but it is an interesting stat!

SS: Did you think 'I've blown it' when you made triple bogey on 15? And did you mishit the shot or was it just a bad lie?

KB: No. I was not going to let one hole define my week. I had played great the whole tournament and it probably helped me refocus for the last three holes. The tee shot was one of the best shots I hit on Sunday, I just got unlucky with the lie, it was terrible.

SS: When it went to extra holes against Jason Dufner, did it give you some confidence that you'd won the Byron Nelson in a play-off?

KB: I think so... I also had the momentum coming in, finishing the way I did. So I definitely felt confident I could get the job done and I am very proud of the way I did it.

SS: You grew up in Vermont which I guess makes you a New England Patriots fan?

KB: ABSOLUTELY, they are THE best team in sports!!! I love all the teams from that area... I am a huge Red Sox fan and Boston Celtics fan as well.

SS: Your two wins have come in the southern States - Texas and Atlanta. Anything in that? Are you just glad to be playing in hot weather as I guess Vermont gets cold?

KB: No connection really, but I definitely play better on tougher courses, regardless of geography!

SS: What is your favourite course? And is there a certain style of course which suits your game best?

KB: My favourite course is Bethpage Black, I played it when I was at College at St John's University... Any course that is long and tough suits me down to the ground... I imagine that Augusta may be my new favourite, after I get a chance to play it!

SS: How influential was your auntie, LPGA Hall of Famer Pat Bradley, in your career?

KB: Pat Bradley, next to my father, has been the biggest influence on my golf career. She had an unbelievable work ethic and competitive fire and I would like to think I share those character traits.

SS: Which players, who we might know, did you grow up playing in junior events with? And who had the most talent?

KB: One of the guys I grew up playing with, Jon Curran, is super talented and you should watch out for him... He was an All American in School and is working his way toward the PGA Tour. He had as good if not better amateur credentials than me.

SS: You've played in some of Phil Mickelson's now famous practice round matches. How helpful has Phil been and are you able to match his trash-talk?!

KB: I am with Gaylord Sports Management, who also manage Phil. This has been huge for me in my preparation for events. Phil has acted as a mentor for both me and Brendan Steele, another rookie winner and client of Gaylord Sports. In fact, after the first time I played with Phil (The Players) I won my next event at the HP Byron Nelson Championship... The second round I played with him (WGC, Akron) I won the following week at the PGA.... I should probably try and get him to play with me the week before Augusta!!!!

SS: Looking ahead, have you ever been to Augusta as a fan or to play a round? And how much of a thrill is that going to be when you tee it up in the Masters?

KB: I have never been there or played there... I have waited until I qualified. I can't wait to get out there. Phil has offered to take me and Steeley for a round, so that is VERY exciting!

SS: Finally, have you ever played any golf in the UK? And will you come over early to get in some practice ahead of next year's Open at Royal Lytham?

KB: I have never played in the UK, but my agent (Ben Harrison) is English and he is keen on me getting some European experience, so we will look at the schedule and see what makes sense. I am really looking forward to it!

SS: Thanks Keegan and good luck in the FedExCup play-offs.

Bradley: Was playing in first major championship in Atlanta

In The Bag - what Keegan used to win the USPGA

Driver: Cleveland Launcher UltraLite TL 310 (10.5 degrees, Miyazaki Kusala 61 shaft)

Fairway Wood: Cleveland Launcher FL 3-wood (14 degrees, Miyazaki Kusala 83 shaft)

Hybrids: Cleveland Launcher DST (18 degrees, Project X XHB6 shaft) and Cleveland Mashie TM3 (20.5 degrees, Miyazaki C Kua 105 shaft)

Irons (4-PW): Cleveland CG7 Tour (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue shafts)

Wedges: Cleveland CG14 (52 and 58 degrees, True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue shafts)

Putter: Odyssey White Hot XG Sabertooth (Belly)

Ball: Srixon Z-Star