Pat sticks with day job

By Brian Keogh

Pat Murray hasn't given up the day job as he prepares to make a dream come true at Adare Manor.

The plus three amateur from Tipperary will continue to keep one eye on things at Limerick Golf Club, where he is general manager.

And Murray , 35, admits that playing in the Irish Open for the first time is a huge event in his life.

Pat said: "I've always wanted to play in a professional event but never had the chance. This year will be my 24th year playing Senior Cup and I have played so many internationals and other great amateur events, but never a pro tournament."

Irish International Murray has never won a major amateur tournament as he juggles his game with his duties at Limerick Golf Club.

He said: "I couldn't play the Brabazon Trophy this week because that would have meant taking nearly 10 days off work when you add in last week's Irish Amateur Open.

"At least here I can pop my head in and out at the golf club and this evening I will go up there and do my post and e-mails."

Murray is the sole Golfing Union of Ireland representative in the field.

But he doesn't care who get gets in the draw, adding: "I'm just delighted to be here. But the course looks savage out there. It's longer than a US Open and maybe even tougher with the rough they have."