Murphy shoots 63 to claim maiden win
John Murphy
Kinsale's John Murphy had almost written off the year before he won the Mullingar Scratch Trophy on August 11. Now the University of Louisville senior is a winner on the US collegiate circuit after shooting a final round 63 to win in Bearcat Invitational at Coldstream Country Club in Cincinnati.
The former St Andrews Links Trophy winner (21) followed rounds of 67 and 66 with an eight-under-par final round featuring two eagle threes, five birdies and just one bogey on a 7,111-yard track.
John Murphy (Kinsale). Picture by Pat Cashman
His career-low for Louisville gave him the individual title by three strokes on 17-under par from teammate Matthias Schmid and helped the Cardinals win their first team title in over a year by a whopping 26 strokes on 37-under from Arkansas, the defending SEC champions.
"Fun week in Cincinnati!" tweeted Murphy, whose year was disappointing until he got over the line in Mullingar.
"Great to get an individual win at -17. Shoutout to the boys for a great team performance!! Thank you for all the support, hopefully, more to come."
Louisville's Head Coach Mark Crabtree was thrilled, calling the team's win "a championship performance," and "one of the best performances in school history."
He added: "John was able to capture his first tournament title with a final round of 63. Matthias finished second with a 65, while Keegan de Lange was fourth and Trevor Johnson placed eighth. It was an outstanding team effort, and I'm just so happy for my team."
Oughterard's Devin Morley also contributed to Louisville's win by carding three 72's to share 21st on three-over.
