Maynooth University’s Eoin Murphy lamented a 24-hour bug as his chances of winning the amateur prize at the King Hamad Trophy faded down the closing stretch in Bahrain.
Murphy was just five shots off the lead heading into the final round yesterday and was the leading amateur at Royal Golf Club as he looked to claim his second win of the year.
The Dundalk man was battling a sudden illness and having not eaten in 24 hours he battled bravely to be level-par through 14 holes. However, fatigue caught up with him and he dropped four shots across the final four holes to settle for a share of 14th place on even par.
“I was delighted with the first two days, was steady the first day then played really well the second day and should have got more out of that 68 but bogey free you’ll take that whenever it’s going,” said the Louth golfer.
“Today I was disappointed but I was just happy to complete the round after getting sick the day before. I hadn’t eaten anything in 24 hours whatever bug I had, so it was just about getting around the 18 holes and getting finished.
“I had a good start and all I was level par through 14 and going well, winning the amateur prize I think then just fell away the last few holes over fatigue more than anything and lack of energy but overall, very good week.”
Murphy was part of a four-strong Maynooth University team including David Kitt (Athenry), Simon Walker (Roscommon) and first year, Alex King (Faithlegg) as they mixed it with some elite amateurs and professionals.
“It was a brilliant week, a brilliant tournament to go and play,” continued Murphy. “You’re not left wanting for anything during the week, they really do look after everything between the hotel, transfers, breakfast, lunch and dinner looked after and it’s just a really well run event.
“It’s a great event to play this time of year with professionals and amateurs, lots of lads on the MENA Tour and other development tours that are all very good players so it’s a competitive standard.”
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