Murphy just three behind in Córdoba

Historic Córdoba Golf Club in Argentina, where Angel Cabrera and Eduardo Romero learnt the game. Mark Murphy produced one of the rounds of the day to leave Angel Cabrera chasing and set up a chance of victory in the Abierto OSDE del Centro on the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica.

The Kerryman’s one under 70 was one of just five sub-par rounds recorded at a punishing Córdoba Golf Club in Argentina on Saturday,  leaving him just three shots off the lead in the $150,000 tournament and with a great chance of his first major victory on a professional tour. Scoreboard

No-one in the 63-strong field is in red figures with Masters runner up Cabrera tied for 20th on seven over after a thrid round 76.

At four over par, 35-year old Murphy is tied for sixth place and just three strokes behind Mexico’s Mauricio Azcué, who shot a 73 to lead by two strokes on one over from compatriot Armando Favela (71) and Argentina’s Sergio Acevedo (72).

“They’re the same for everyone,” Murphy said of the tough pins that have made scoring difficult on a firm golf course.

“They are difficult and if they want people to make birdies they shouldn’t put them where they are putting them. But why not have a tournment where the winning score is over par? What’s wrong with that?

“It’s like the British Open. This is probably one of the most difficult courses I have ever played in my life in the conditions we have right now and maybe it suits me.”

While Murphy would have loved a sponsor’s invitation for next week’s Zurich Classic of New Orelans on the PGA Tour, a big week in Córdoba could see him rocket up the money list and put himself in position to finish in the top five on the money list - Los Cinco - and earn his playing rights on the PGA Tour’s Web.com Tour.

The Abierto del Centro is Murphy’s first start of the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica season