Sam Murphy pulled off one of the up and downs of his life to hold off Robert Moran and clinch his maiden Alps Tour title on his professional debut at the Ein Bay Open in Egypt.
Murphy teed off with a two shot lead and he kept his nerve to close with a 71 for an eleven-under total, two shots clear of Moran whose 71 completed an Irish 1-2 to start the season.
“Winning my first event is the perfect way to start both the season and my professional career,” said Murphy who came through the Alps Q-School in fine style and is looking to enjoy his golf after an injury ravaged amateur career.
“It’s surreal—especially considering how far I’ve come in the past four or five years, overcoming numerous injuries and challenges. This victory means a lot to me.
“Last year at the QSchool, I played well and finished second and third, which gave me confidence that I could compete at this level. I hadn’t won in three or four years, so this makes the win even more special. The standard of golf here is very high, so I’m thrilled to have come out on top.”
The Galway man took control of the tournament with three birdies in four holes on 8, 10 and 11 but also had to dig deep to maintain his composure after dropped shots on 12 and 15 allowed Moran back in after he birdied 12, 13, 16 and 17 to make it a one shot game going down the last.
Playing in the final group together, it became a matchplay situation. Moran saw his approach go long of the green while Murphy was perhaps a little fortunate to avoid the water hazard short.
From there, the Glenlo Abbey man got up and down for a clutch par save while Moran’s ill-fated attempt at a birdie resulted in a bogey.
“Honestly, I was probably the calmest I’ve ever been through all three rounds, which was a pleasant surprise,” continued Murphy. “I have a great friendship with Rob, and we chatted throughout the match, but things got tense toward the end as the wind picked up. Stepping up for that final putt, I definitely felt the nerves, but this is the moment you train for—to make a putt to win a tournament. I’m delighted with the outcome.”
“On the final hole, Rob and I both found ourselves in the right rough. I saw he was hitting a pitching wedge, and I was a few yards further back. His shot went long right, so I knew a pitching wedge would be ideal for me. My ball caught the wind, hit the bank, and rolled into some casual water just before the main water hazard. Sometimes you need a bit of luck to win, but I still had to get up and down to clinch the victory. It’s probably one of the best up-and-downs I’ve ever had,” added the 23-year-old who claims the €6,200 cheque.
For Moran though, his runner up finish continues a fine winter period that saw him win twice on the Winter Tour and earn two HotelPlanner Tour starts and one for the DP World Tour.
“It was a mix of emotions for me. With about nine holes to go, I wasn’t even thinking about winning; I just wanted to finish as high as possible. Playing alongside Sam, who’s a good friend, I tried to support him and focus on my own game. I played some nice golf coming in and was just one shot behind on the last hole. Sam’s chip shot was outstanding and ultimately won him the tournament. While it’s disappointing not to win, finishing second at the first event of the year makes me happy.
I played a lot of golf over the winter, with some good and some mixed results, so I’m glad to have carried some of my strong play into this tournament. Overall, I’m pleased with my performance.”
Hugh Foley closed with a 75 for a one-under total and a top-30 finish.
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