Portumna’s Sam Murphy completed a dream return from serious injuries to win in very first tournament as a professional when he edged out Castle’s Robert Moran for the Alps Tour’s season-opening Ein Bay Open in Egypt.
Starting the final round with a two-shot lead, the Galway man (23) made three birdies and eight pars to extend his advantage with seven holes to go.
Two bogeys brought his closest challengers back into contention and with Moran just one back playing the last, 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.
“Winning my first event is the perfect way to start both the season and my professional career,” said Murphy (23), who had six surgeries during his college career at Grand Canyon University in Arizona.
“It’s surreal—especially considering how far I’ve come in the past four or five years, overcoming numerous injuries and challenges. This victory means a lot to me.
“Last year at the Q-School, I played well and finished second and third, which gave me confidence that I could compete at this level.
“I hadn’t won in three or four years, so this makes the win even more special. 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, who had been well off the pace at the halfway stage, made a notable comeback with four birdies on the back nine, ultimately finishing two shots behind Murphy after a making closing bogey at the 18th for a 71.
“It was a mix of emotions for me,” said the Dubliner, who was five x 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.”
Spain’s Ruben Pardo Rodriguez and Mario Galiano Aguilar shared third place with England’s Barclay Brown, three shots behind the winner.
Brown was tied for the lead during the final round but bogeyed the 16th and double bogeyed at the 18th to shoot 69.
Royal Dublin’s Hugh Foley tied for 26th on one-under after a closing 76.
The players will return to action on Sunday, February 22nd, for the 2026 Red Sea Little Venice Open, also at Sokhna Golf Club, this time on Course B&C.
Article Link: ‘It’s surreal’ - Sam Murphy overcomes multiple surgeries to win on pro debut - News - Irish Golf Desk