Murphy eighth in paradise

Mark Murphy gets photo bombed on the range at Cana Bay. http://instagram.com/markjmurphWaterville’s Mark Murphy finished joint eighth in the Dominican Republic Open on the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica.

The Kerryman birdied two of his last three holes at Hard Rock GC at Cana Bay, signing off with a level par 72 to finish six shots behind American Ryan Blaum on three under par.

Blaum, 29, shot 68 to won by two from Maximiliano Godoy can claim the first first victory of his professional career.

Murphy earned $4,350 to move up to 48th in the money list with $6,450 from four starts. The top 5 earn Web.com status but with the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica taking a break now until October, Murphy will concentrate on the Alps Tour in Europe with occasionally forays onto the Challenge Tour.