John Murphy claimed the inaugural Munster Students title in Cork Golf Club today, the Kinsale golfer won on the result at 36 holes after play was cancelled on the final day. Snow and heavy rain rendered the course unplayable and after consulting with course staff, Tournament Director Dave Prendergast had no option but to cancel the final round with the results from 36 holes declared. Murphy finished on a total of 138 (-6) for the 36 holes, four shots clear of James McVicker (Knock) who took second place. Third place went to Cathal Butler (Kinsale), and holder Jack McDonnell (Forrest Little) was fourth, both golfers also finished on -2.
It was Murphy’s second Munster title, the Irish Boys international won the Munster Boys title in 2016. “It feels good, it’s a great start to the year” said Murphy. “It’s a long season so it’s a confidence boost to get an early win. Monday was a little disappointing, especially on the back nine. Yesterday I was happy to be on -4 through 10 as I wasn’t playing my best. I missed a few chances on the way in yesterday, I hit a poor tee shot on 16th but scrambled a par which kept me on track.” His 68 in the second round tied for the lowest score on the day, keeping him ahead of the field. Murphy has a busy few weeks ahead as the season gets into full swing: “I’m playing in St Andrew’s next week for the Bursar’s Tournament and then I’m playing in London in the Berkhamsted Trophy. After that I’m Continue reading
John Murphy (Kinsale/MU) lies just one shot off the lead after day one in the Munster Students Championship at Cork Golf Club. The Munster Boys champion finished on two under after carding four birdies and two bogies. The lead is held by Stefan Greenberg (Tandragee) and David Foy (Laytown & Bettystown)on three under, while holder Jack McDonnell (Forrest Little/MU) is just one shot off the lead.
Many of Ireland’s top young golfers will be heading for Cork next week for the inaugural staging of the Munster Students Championship. The newly named Championship replaces the Munster Youths and it features a new ladies competition along with a team competition. Munster Strokeplay Champion Cathal Butler will be joined by Munster Boys Champion John Murphy, and the Kinsale golfers will lead the strong local challenge. Both Murphy and Butler are representing Maynooth University and the home of the Harrington Scholars golf programme will travel in force. Also wearing the MU colours will be Jack McDonnell won the Munster Youths title in Monkstown last year. The team competition will see many colleges enter multiple teams, with the best two scores counting from the three person team. In the ladies competition, local hopes will rest with Muskerry’s Jean O’Driscoll (UCC) and Douglas’ Aiofe Ni Thuama 
Douglas Golf Club hosted the third round of the Cork inter-varsity league last week, and Cork IT leveled the contest with a narrow one point win over UCC. Although Cork IT have won two of the three rounds, UCC’s margin of victory in the first round meant that Cork IT were playing catch-up in the aggregate scoring format. The golfers have a quick turn around with the fourth event scheduled for Monkstown on Thursday. The final round is scheduled for Lee Valley where the overall league winners should be decided.
Cork Golf News 