Eagle-eyed Murphy tracks Immelman

A MAGNIFICENT eagle three at the 18th has elevated Kilkenny's Gary Murphy into a share of fourth place after the opening round of the Smurfit European Open at The K Club.

Murphy, the tournament professional at the Heritage club near Portlaoise, is also the leading Irishman on four under par, two shots behind Trevor Immelman. South African compatriot and defending champion Retief Goosen is tied for second with the Frenchman Francois Delamontagne.

It was not the most pleasant of summer days at The K Club, even if early morning rain did give way to a dry if blustery and uncertain kind of day.