Sport

Murphy has the incentive

Two years ago, it became a crucial stepping-stone towards Ryder Cup honours for Padraig Harrington

By DERMOT GILLEECE
Thu Aug 16 2001 - 01:00

Two years ago, it became a crucial stepping-stone towards Ryder Cup honours for Padraig Harrington. This time, Gary Murphy considers the £275,590 North West of Ireland Open, which starts at Slieve Russell this morning, to be even more important to his own career.

"A win here would mean everything to me," said the 28-year-old Kilkennyman, with some feeling. "It's not about the money; it's about getting exempt status from now until the end of next year. It's about being able to go out and play for serious money."

Recent figures of 13 under par for 16 successive rounds on the Challenge Tour, earned Murphy £3,000. Last weekend, rounds of 71 and 75 gave him a share of 65th place in the Wales Open and prize money of £1,306.

Massimo Scarpa collected the same amount before heading here to defend the title he won last year with a 13-under-par aggregate of 275. Though he admits his status in Italy hasn't soared during the last 12 months, it shouldn't be considered a reflection on the merit of this event. "In Italy it's all football," he said yesterday. "Costantino Rocca played in three Ryder Cups but it didn't mean anything."

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Meanwhile, Murphy carded a disappointing, closing round of 73 to slip to a share of seventh place behind Scarpa here 12 months ago. And the only other Irish player to make the cut was Des Smyth.

This time, there are 12 other Irish challengers in the field - Philip Walton, Sean Quinlivan, Francis Howley, Liam McCool, David Walker, John Dignam, Michael Allan, John Dwyer, David Higgins, Damien McGrane, Paddy Gribben and Peter Lawrie.

And most would concede that Smyth, the Smurfit Irish Professional Champion here in 1996, is the man to beat, at the ripe old golfing age of 48.

At 163rd in the current world list, the reigning Madeira Island Open champion is the highest-ranked player in the field. So, is he a worthy favourite? "Oh, there are lots of strong young lads here," said Smyth self-deprecatingly.

Then he added with a sly grin: "But if I could get among them with nine holes to play, I think I'd know what to do."