‘It’s surreal’ - Sam Murphy overcomes multiple surgeries to win on pro debut
Portumna’s Sam Murphy completed a dream return from multiple injuries to win the Alps Tour’s season-opening Ein Bay Open on his professional debut in Egypt.
The Galway man (23) reckons he was fit for just two and a half of his four years at Grand Canyon University in Arizona, undergoing six surgeries for multiple injuries, including arthritis in both ankles.
He started the final round with a two-shot lead over Castle’s Robert Moran and France’s Alexandre Vandermoten, but had to make a brilliant up and down at the 18th to hold off the Dubliner and win by two shots on 11-under at Sokhna Golf Club in Suez.
“Winning my first event is the perfect way to start both the season and my professional career,” said Murphy, who made three birdies and eight pars to extend his advantage with seven to play before bogeys at the 12th and 15th left him just one clear of Moran playing the last.
Facing a pitching wedge to the 18th, where Moran was in trouble in two, he narrowly avoided water with his approach by a matter of inches before getting up and down to win by two shots on 11-under after a closing one-under 71.
“It’s surreal—especially considering how far I’ve come in the past four or five years, overcoming numerous injuries and challenges,” said the former Connacht Stroke Play champion, who is coached by Gary Madden at Glenlo Abbey.
“This victory means a lot to me. Last year at the Q-School, I played well and finished second and third (at the first and final stages), which gave me confidence that I could compete at this level.”
Given his truncated US college career, he had hoped to use an extra year of eligibility to transfer to Little Rock University this year before visa issues put paid to that dream, and he opted for the Alps Tour route instead.
“I hadn’t won in three or four years, so this makes the win even more special,” Murphy said after picking up a cheque for €6,200. “The standard of golf here is very high, so I’m thrilled to have come out on top.”
As for the heart-stopping finish, he said: “Honestly, I was probably the calmest I’ve ever been through all three rounds, which was a pleasant surprise.
“I have a great friendship with Rob, and we chatted throughout the match, but things got tense toward the end as the wind picked up.
“Stepping up for that final putt, I definitely felt the nerves, but this is the moment you train for—to make a putt to win a tournament. I’m delighted with the outcome.
“On the final hole, Rob and I both found ourselves in the right rough. I saw he was hitting a pitching wedge, and I was a few yards further back.
“His shot went long right, so I knew a pitching wedge would be ideal for me. My ball caught the wind, hit the bank, and rolled into some casual water just before the main water hazard.
“Sometimes you need a bit of luck to win, but I still had to get up and down to clinch the victory. It’s probably one of the best up-and-downs I’ve ever had.”
Moran (26) made four birdies on the back nine to close within a shot of the lead before finishing two shots behind Murphy after making a closing bogey for a 71 to earn €4,186.
“It was a mix of emotions for me,” said the Dubliner, who was five shots off the pace after a one-over front nine. “With about nine holes to go, I wasn’t even thinking about winning; I just wanted to finish as high as possible.
“Playing alongside Sam, who’s a good friend, I tried to support him and focus on my own game.
“I played some nice golf coming in and was just one shot behind on the last hole. Sam’s chip shot was outstanding and ultimately won him the tournament.
“While it’s disappointing not to win, finishing second at the first event of the year makes me happy.
“I played a lot of golf over the winter, with some good and some mixed results, so I’m glad to have carried some of my strong play into this tournament. Overall, I’m pleased with my performance.”
Royal Dublin’s Hugh Foley tied for 26th on one under after a closing 76.
The players will return to action at Sokhna Golf Club for the 2026 Red Sea Little Venice Open.
