Murphy and Dawson flying high but McBride, Hanney and Mullarney still alive at Alps Tour Q-School
Rosslare’s Paul Murphy in an archive picture from his amateur days. Picture: Niall O'Shea
Rosslare's Paul Murphy was grateful to his caddie as he remained in contention to win his card at the Alps Tour Qualifying School in Rome.
As Ronan Mullarney improved by 10 strokes to keep his hopes alive, Murphy made five birdies in a two-under 70 at Golf Nazionale to share third place on six-under with Tramore's Robin Dawson, who birdied four of his last six holes to shoot a two-under 71 at Olgiata.
On a day when The Island’s Paul McBride and Joseph Hanney also kept their qualifying hopes very much alive, Murphy was grateful to his friend Harry McGeary, who flew in to caddie.
"I went out there today with the intention like nothing happened yesterday and pretty much stuck to my game plan and routine but most importantly, believed in myself,“ Murphy said.
"Every time I got down, I knew I was able to get birdies along the way as I was very confident in myself, so it didn't really bug me."
He was especially pleased to back up his first round 69 and hopes to finish the job tomorrow as he seeks cards awarded to the top 35 and ties.
"Yesterday, I had an easier start by starting on the back nine. I knew I wanted to start by going low and then the round took over itself. Luckily, I continued the momentum from yesterday's round into the round today.
"Tomorrow I will focus again on the same thing as today by thinking nothing happened today. Take one shot at a time and believe in myself. I've put the hard work to use so far, so now I just have to let it happen."
Murphy and Dawson are three strokes behind Switzerland's Luca Galliano, who leads by two strokes from France's Louis Bellan after his five under 67 at Golf Nazionale.
McBride is tied 17th on two-under after making an eagle and two birdies in a one-under 71 at Golf Nazionale.
The top 35 players and ties after Friday's third round will be eligible to receive Category 6 membership for the 2023 Alps Tour Season and despite opening with a 78, Mullarney has a chance now after he made seven birdies in a 68 at Golf Nazionale to share 36th place with Hanney, who shot 74 at the same venue.
The rest of the Irish missed the two-over-par cut for the top 65 and ties.
Michael Young shot a two-under 70 at Golf Nazionale to miss out by three shots with Simon Bryan nine-over after a 76 and John Hickey 14-over after an 81.
Woodbrook's Tom Dowdall retired.
The top 35 players and ties will receive Category 6 membership for the 2023 Alps Tour Season. Those who finish between the 36th and 65th will be eligible for Category 8 membership, while the remaining players will be eligible for membership in Category 9.
