Murphy on track for Irish Open ticket at Irish Challenge

Kinsale’s John Murphy kept alive his hopes of winning a spot in September’s Amgen Irish Open when he carded a rollercoaster one-under 71 to lead the Irish contingent into the final round of the Irish Challenge at The K Club.

After making his first cut of a forgettable Challenge Tour season on Friday, the former Walker Cup star shared 11th place on six-under-par at the Palmer South course.

He was seven strokes behind England’s Brandon Robinson Thompson (pictured above by Getty Images), whose 68 gave him a one-stroke lead over Sweden’s Joakim Largergren, who shot 70, on 13-under.

But Murphy is right in position to win the Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Trophy awarded to the leading home player and a priceless start in September’s $6 million Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down.

Kilkenny’s Mark Power is also in the running, a shot behind Murphy on four-under after carding a level par 72.

The K Club’s Liam Grehan slipped to 48th on one-over after a 75 with Clandeboye’s Jonathan Caldwell 65th on six-over after a 79.