Hometown favourite Sam Murphy made the dream return to Portumna as he claimed the Connacht Stroke Play after a fourth round 68.

It was a punishing weekend with 72 holes in two days but the 20-year-old powered his way to victory on 18-under just a week after he just missed out narrowly in the East of Ireland Championship.

Scores

David Kitt (Athenry) pushed on to finish second with AIG Irish Close champion Quentin Carew (Castleknock) back in third.

“My game has been really good, ever since mid-March I have been playing really well. My confidence has been really high. Going head-to-head with the two boys last week really helped, definitely coming down the last 18 today,” said Murphy.

“I’m putting really well, everything inside 15 foot I feel like I’m going to make everything which is nice. Well definitely on the greens out here when they are rolling so good. I’ve grown up on the greens as well which definitely does help.”

With many of the leading Walker Cup contenders at the St Andrews Links this weekend, Murphy had a great chance to claim a big win at home.

The man who edged him out in the play-off last week, Alex Maguire, shot 64 on the Old Course in Scotland to claim another famous win while Murphy also showed the form from the East of Ireland was holding up well.

He shot rounds of 68 and 66 to take an overnight lead on -10, five shots ahead of Donnacha Cleary (Tipperary) and Jack McDonnell (Forrest Little).

Another Galwegian, Kitt came from the chasing pack in Round 3 and his 68 moved him to -5 but Murphy maintained his push for silverware. His brilliant composure led to a solid 68 and he went to -14, seven shots clear of McDonnell.

It was a slower start to the front nine of his final round but with birdies on 11, 12, 13 and 14, he surged clear and finished with a 68, ten shots clear of his closest challenger, Kitt.

“Today was a day I have been dreaming of ever since we announced we were going to be hosting Connacht Stroke Play. It’s one I’ve targeted. I’m just delighted to be over the line and get it done,” said Murphy.  

“We have a few club competitions now, Barton Shield and Senior Cup maybe two weeks after that and then straight into the South. Looking forward to a few weeks off give the body a bit of rest and let this sink in a little bit as well.”