Murphy heads Irish qualifiers for Europro Tour Q-School
Waterville's Mark Murphy was the leading performer as just five Irish golfers joined the exempt players for next week's PGA Europro Tour Q-School Final Stage at Frilford Heath.
The Kerryman survived miserable weather conditions and added a 75 to his first round 71 to share second place on three over in the First Stage qualifier at Slaley Hall, where 39 players progressed to the final stage, which is scheduled for April 2-4.
They included Castlerock's Aaron Kearney, now playing out of West Middlesex, who finished tied for 14th on nine over after rounds of 79 and 74.
At Formby Hall, Banbridge's Richard Kilpatrick shot an excellent 70 and (T6) and Stephen Grant (T18) of the Heritage a nice 72 as they finished inside the top 49. But Ciaran Lavery, Gerard Finnegan and Peter O'Keeffe all missed out by a shot on 13 over.
Castle Barna's Brian McCormack was well outside the qualifying mark at The Players Club but at Woldingham in Surrey, there was better luck for Portrush's Matt McAlpin as rounds of 71 and 73 saw him qualify with ease on two over.