Murphy to follow Woods and McIlroy

KINSALE golfer John Murphy will follow in the footsteps of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Rory McIlroy next month.

The talented 20-year-old has been named on the three-man Golfing Union of Ireland team for the World Amateur Team Championship at Carton House, Maynooth from September 5th to 8th.

This is the first time the event has ever been held in Ireland and 72 countries will compete at Carton House.

Murphy will be joined Robin Dawson (Tramore) and Conor Purcell (Portmarnock) as the Irish trio hope to build on the success of Ireland’s third-place finish in Mexico 2016 as they go in search of the Eisenhower Trophy on home soil.

The first round begins on Wednesday, September 5th and notable past players include Jack Nicklaus (1960), Phil Mickelson (1990), Tiger Woods (1994), Sergio Garcia (1996 and 1998), Rory McIlroy (2006), Rickie Fowler (2008), Justin Thomas (2012), Jon Rahm (2014) and Paul Dunne (2014).

Murphy announced himself on the international stage with a spectacular victory at this year’s St Andrews Links Trophy. A multiple winner in Ireland before departing for college in the United States at the University of Louisville last year, Murphy has soared in 2018. 

Following his victory at St Andrews, Murphy earned his first Ireland cap at the European Amateur Team Championship, posting impressive scores of 68 and 67 to finish tied fifth in stroke play qualifying. He also reached the quarter-finals of The Amateur Championship, where he was beaten by Dawson. Murphy was also recognised by the Great Britain and Ireland selectors and picked for the St Andrews Trophy.

Last weekend Murphy was in sensational form as he won the Scratch Cup at Killarney Golf Club, shooting 13 birdies in 36 holes to win by 15 shots and bring his handicap down to +5.