KAPALUA, MAUI >> Michael Bradley isn’t one of those players whose galleries are straining the ropes. The journeyman golfer out of Oklahoma State isn’t accustomed to giving the papal wave as he strolls down the final fairway, either.

When you’re ranked No. 276 in the world, you’re just glad to be a part of an elite field like the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. You don’t take a single moment for granted.

“I’m just glad to have a tee time,” said Bradley, who is tied for second at 5-under 68, one shot behind first-round leader and defending champion Jonathan Byrd.

“I don’t care if it’s the first or last. I’m just glad to be here. In life, I’m almost 46. I’m kind of getting toward the end of my rope out here probably, so I’m elated to be here and playing with all this young talent out here.”

Bradley and Bryce Molder were the first twosome to start the 2012 campaign in clear but windy conditions at the par-73 Plantation Course.

A small field of only 27 golfers is taking part in this $5.6 million event, something Bradley questioned after arriving in the media room.

Injuries kept four 2011 winners out of this tournament, with another seven, including three of the four grand slam champions, opting to stay home.

“That’s unfortunate that they didn’t show up,” said Bradley, who is the first player since Davis Love III to win PGA Tour events in three different decades.

“I feel bad for Hyundai. I want the topranked players to be in my tournament. I’m not going to drive the TV ratings; I know that. People aren’t sitting in front of their TV going, ‘Oh, Michael Bradley is leading, let’s go watch him.’

“I’m fine with that. But when you get the top 10 players in the world not going, it’s a shame. I feel bad for all the people who put it on. It’s a great tournament. It’s an honor to be here because that means you’ve done something well the year before. So, it’s not just another tournament because it’s a select field that plays here.”

With only four PGA Tour wins in an upand-down career that stretches back to 1988, no way Bradley skips anything. He was ranked No. 562 in the world prior to his March win in Puerto Rico. He shot up 236 spots to 226 after the victory.

But it’s not as if golf dominates his life, these days. He and his family are enjoying what Maui has to offer, including deep-sea fishing with his son and a four-consecutivenight dinner reservation at Bubba Gump’s that gives you a good description of Bradley’s mind-set.

“I love playing golf and I’m competitive and I want to play well as probably anyone else, but you know what, when I shake my hand on 18, and I do my scorecard, you know what, that’s it. Day’s over. I don’t take it home.”

What he’d love to take home is the Hyundai trophy on Monday. But given all the injuries in his career — bad back, bad ankle, bad hip — and his own mind games that often take him outside the ropes, he’s not penciling in anything. Instead, he just plans to take it one swing at a time and see where he lands.

“I might go out and look like a world beater,” Bradley said, “or I might go out and shoot 80. That’s just kind of how my game is right now.

“If I’m relatively quiet between the ears, I’m usually going to be OK. But if my mind gets wandering and the little demons start creeping in, it makes it tough.”