Ambitious Murphy marches on

WEDDING bells are in the air for Ireland’s emerging professionals. Peter Lawrie tied the knot last week and Gary Murphy weds Elaine (a niece of well-known amateur star Barry Reddan) five days after Christmas.

Their timing could not have been better, for their golf prospered so well in 2003 they have no immediate financial worries. Fifty-ninth place in the order of merit was worth €270,000 to Murphy and just as importantly, the retention of his card for 2004.

"It was very solid all-round", says Kilkenny man Murphy. "I missed five cuts but there were only two tournaments where I didn't really compete, Qatar and Portugal.