Kentucky based John Murphy is ready for competitive action later this month as the talented Kinsale golfer prepares to restart his season.  The Irish Mens squad member is in his first year in the University of Louisville golf programme and despite an enforced lay-off due to knee surgery he’s really enjoyed the first semester in the US.  After moving over to Kentucky in August, it was a slow start for Murphy that ultimately meant minor surgery on a recurrent knee problem.  That side-lined John from competitive action but he worked on his rehab plan and will be in contention for a place when the first competition of new year in just a few weeks.  The end of the rehab coincided with a return home for a few weeks to catch up with family and friends.  “I came back to Ireland on the 14th of December and I was very excited to come back” said Murphy.  Christmas didn’t disappoint, I had plenty time to hang out with my friends and family because I would consider myself very close to both.  I really did love being home, but I am also very excited for what’s to come within the next few months.  I have met so many amazing people since I started in Louisville, and I was looking forward to going back and seeing them.  I am also very excited for what is to come in 2018.  Now that I have my surgery out of the way and I am nearly back playing, I am looking forward to playing with hopefully no limits over the coming year.  We have plenty tournaments coming up, starting at the end of February, so I’m hoping to make an impact on the team early on.”

John spent the last academic year in Maynooth University and availed of the Paddy Harrington Golf Programme.  The move to Louisville has exposed the two-time students champion to the next generation in facilities and supports at the NCAA Division One college.  “Our golf facilities alone are top class, but there is a lot more to it than the golf facilities” explained John.  “The support that we are provided with as athletes in the University are second to none and we are very lucky to be given the opportunity to get help with our study whilst training on a heavy schedule.  I’m studying marketing and I am finding the college side of it very manageable due to the resources we are provided with.  As well as the facilities, the atmosphere around campus is incredible.    I get on very well with both the coaches and the team. The coaches are very good to us and provide us with all the support we could ask for.The support that the different University teams receive from students and University supporters is indescribable and it’s a great place to be if you’re looking to get better.”

John Murphy pictured after winning the Munster Students last year.

Despite having to deal with the lay-off, John had good news in December when he was named on the Irish Mens training squad.  Murphy was one of three Cork golfers to make the squad, Mallow’s James Sugrue and Douglas’ Peter O’Keeffe were also named.  Murphy came through the Boys panels and this was his first time to make the senior panel.  “Obviously getting called up to the Irish Mens panel was something far from my thoughts a few years ago.  I remember seeing the men’s panel at my first ever boys session just two years ago, and I was in awe of being in the presence of golfers of their calibre.  To have my name on that panel is something I’m very proud of.  I am glad that the GUI have recognized my progress over the last few years and I’m looking forward to improving further this year.  I may not get to go on any trips with the panel due to the fact that I will be away, but I’m still delighted to have my name there with some of the best players in the country.”  While Murphy will miss out on the early season events, he’ll be back in Ireland for the summer and with a bit of luck between now and then he’ll be pushing for a place on the Irish teams that will compete in the Europeans, Home Internationals and World Championships.