<p>Sam Murphy takes a two-shot lead into the final round in Egypt. Photo Credit: Alps Tour Golf / Raffaele Canepa</p>
Portumna’s Sam Murphy felt he was never going to make a bogey as he blasted a seven under 65 to take a two-shot lead into the final round on his Alps Tour debut in Egypt.
The Q-School graduate (23) leads the season-opening Ein Bay Open on 10-under par from Castle’s Robert Moran and France’s Alexandre Vandermoten, who shot second rounds 67s at Sokhna Golf Club in Suez.
Starting from the 11th tee in the morning wave, Murphy made a sensational start by reeling off seven birdies in his opening eleven holes.
He then played steady, controlled golf from there, signing for an impressive bogey-free 65 (-7) to move into the outright lead.
“I got off to a good start and knew the conditions would get tougher coming in, especially with the wind picking up over the last few holes,” said the former Irish Boys champion.
“I tried to take advantage early and just play solid golf. I hit 18 greens and missed only a couple of fairways, so it was a really solid round.
“It never really felt like I was going to make a bogey. I struck the ball well, and even on the greens, I felt comfortable.
“It was a pretty stress-free round, which was nice. I’ll stick with the same game plan I’ve had all week.
“Hopefully the wind settles down tomorrow, but it’ll be the same approach: play aggressively when I can and conservatively when I have to.”
Murphy holds a two-shot advantage over Vandermoten and fellow Irishman Moran, who was one of the few players to break par in the tougher afternoon conditions.
Royal Dublin’s Hugh Foley is tied for 11th on four-under par after making three birdies and three bogeys in a 72.
But Cathal MacCanna missed the level cut (144) on his Alps Tour debut, adding a 79 to his opening 75 to finish ten-over (154).
Article Link: Sam Murphy two clear and chasing maiden win on Alps Tour debut - News - Irish Golf Desk