Agony for Murphy as Devlin moves on

Chris Devlin eased into stage two of the PGA Tour Q-School in Florida when he finished second at St. Johns Golf & Country Club near St Augustine.

But Waterville's Mark Murphy came up one shot shy at the same venue after a brilliant but ultimately fruitless campaign.

Devlin, a surprise qualifier for the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines, closed with a level par 72 to finish tied for second on 12 under par and earn his place at one of six second stage venues from November 18-21.

Yet Murphy's brave bid to make the top 22 and ties ended in bitter disappointment as he carded a final round 69 that was only good enough for a share of 23rd.

Australia's David Lutterus topped the leaderboard by three shots on 15 under par from Devlin and 2007 US Walker Cup player Chris Kirk.

Exactly 22 players finished on five under par or better with Murphy left to rue opening rounds of 74 and 73 as he finished on four under.

Muskerry's Niall Turner begin his quest in the second wave of stage one qualifiers next Tuesday when he tees it up at San Juan Oaks Golf Club in Hollister, California.