<p>Sam Murphy. Credit: Alps Tour Golf / Raffaele Canepa</p>
Sam Murphy and Aine Donegan appear to be inspiring each other from opposite sides of the globe.
The pair share Glenlo Abbey coach Gary Madden, and after Murphy won his professional debut on the Alps Tour 10 days ago, Donegan fired a second-round 63 to take the early halfway lead in the weather-delayed Ford Women's NSW Open in Australia on her professional bow.
“Sam was very very inspiring!!” Donegan said by text. “Gary has done an amazing job with both of us.”
Within a few hours, Murphy was at it again on the Alps Tour, opening with a seven-under 65 to lead the 2026 New Giza Open in Cairo. Scores
The Ein Bay Open winner continued his strong start to the season with a flawless, bogey-free round to lead by a shot from Luca Memeo of Italy and by two from a group that included last week’s Red Sea Little Venice Open winner, Andrea Romano.
“My game felt really solid again,” Murphy said. “I drove the ball well, gave myself plenty of good opportunities, and hit my irons beautifully.
“Hitting all 18 greens made it a bit more stress-free, even in tricky conditions.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the round. It’s a great way to start the tournament, and now the goal is to build on it with another solid, steady round tomorrow.
“We’ll see where that puts me, but I’m really pleased with how everything went today and I’m hoping to keep this form going.”
Play was suspended due to darkness before all groups could complete their rounds.
Robert Moran was joint 29th after a 71 with Cathal MacCanna 41st on level par after a 72.
Hugh Foley’s 74 left him joint 66th with only the top 40 professionals and ties (excluding amateurs) after 36 holes, making it through to Sunday’s final round.
Article Link: Red-hot Murphy hits the front again in Egypt - News - Irish Golf Desk