After being laid-up in bed earlier this week with back spasms relatively unknown Irish golfer Mark Murphy is now boldly targeting success in this week’s Hassan II Trophy in Agadir.
Murphy celebrates his 34th birthday in teeing up in the last group on day one of the Euro 1.5m Hassan II Trophy.
And as a vote of confidence in his game Murphy has paid a £2,000 ‘Affiliate Membership’ joining fee that means any money the Waterville born player earns this week counts towards his European Tour card.
However if he should win the Race to Dubai event being played on the ultra-exclusive Royal Course then Murphy will earn a two-year exemption till the end of 2014.
Murphy burst into Ireland recognition when he captured the Irish version last May of the Golf Channel’s ‘The Big Break’.
Ireland's Mark Murphy looking forward to kick-starting his golfing career in Morocco. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Victory at the K. Club and in an event that did not go to ‘air’ until November earned Murphy a start in this week’s Moroccan event along with a the prize start of a tee time later this year in the Irish Open at Royal Portrush.
“Winning the ‘Big Break’ on the Golf Channel and getting into this event in Morocco and also the Irish Open has given me a resurgence to go back playing again,” he said.
“So right now I have Morocco, Royal Portrush and hopefully some more starts in the States when I get back to his family home in New Orleans where he has been living for three years.
“I want to get back to playing and having fun and that’s exciting.
”Before the ‘Big Break’ success it’s fair to say I was just trying to scratch out a living all around the world and now my life seems to be settling down that’s great.
“So here I am in Agadir teeing up in the Hassan II Trophy on my 34th birthday. It’s some birthday present.
“But this is just amazing and such an incredible golf course and hopefully if I do well enough I can be going to Sicily next week as that would be pretty cool.”
However Murphy was not as bubbly on Tuesday when he could not hardly swing a golf club as he endured bout of back spasms.
Fortunately, Murphy has access to the European Tour physio staff and after playing a practice round with Ballyclare’s Gareth Maybin on the eve of the event, he was heading straight for the fitness trailer.
“I just couldn’t move at all earlier this week so I am lucky the Tour’s fitness staff are here this week as they’ve been able to sort me out and have got me into this event,” he said.
“So this time yesterday I couldn’t walk and that is kind of sad for me as this is the first real injury I’ve had but today I played nine holes and I feel excited.
“So going into an event without too many expectations is the best way to be.”
Murph’s ‘Big Break’ success was worth $US 50,000 cash along with a $10,000 Adams Golf endorsement contract along with $10,000 cash, a $10,000 shopping spree session to Dick’s Sporting Goods and $10,000 worth of travel on United Airlines.
His $90,000 windfall equates to just $16,000 shy of second place prize money this week.
And with money in the bank Murphy wants to now try his luck by targeting Monday qualifying for both the PGA Tour and the secondary Nationwide Tour.
“The cash I earned in winning the ‘Big Break’ will allow me to try and play more pro tour golf and if I can’t qualify for the PGA or Nationwide events then I’m prepared to give anything a go,” he said.
“I have about $80,000 in cash put away along with other prizes so to play this week is a real treat as my back has been acting up.”
