Ireland’s bubbly Mark Murphy celebrated his 34th birthday in being treated to a traditional home cooked Moroccan meal.
Murphy ended his round in birding two of his three closing holes in near darkness for a level par 72 on day one of the Hassan II Trophy in Morocco.
Murphy was out in the very last group and ended his round in near darkness.
The Irishman earned a place in the Moroccan field and also a start in June’s Irish Open at Royal Portrush in winning last May the Ireland version of the Golf Channel’s A Big Break.
Mark Murphy treated to a traditional home cooked meal in celebrating 34th birthday.
The Waterville-born Murphy had five birdies and just as many bogeys in his round with one his two uncles, who have travelled to Morocco, acting as caddy.
“I would have taken level par before the start after all I have been through,” he said.
“And after the treatment I’ve been getting from the Tour’s physio staff my back in much better and I hardly felt any pain at all.
“So I’m thrilled.”
And to celebrate his birthday the owner and creator of ‘Murph’s Golf Tour’s was invited back to the house of the Moroccan taxi cab driver who has been driving him to the course each day.
“I met this guy on the first day I got here and he’s been driving myself, my girlfriend and my two uncles Brendan and Jack around everywhere and he’s become a personal chauffeur,” he said.
“He’s invited all of us to his house tonight for a traditional Moroccan meal so that’s going to be great.
“And Jack’s never ever been on a golf course before so we’re all having fun and enjoying the week.”
