Murphy wants more chances to make mark

All Mark Murphy wants is a chance and the way he opened his Irish Open yesterday, the US-based Waterville man may just get the big break he thought he had already been given.

A year ago the 34-year-old Challenge Tour veteran made a splash by winning the US Golf Channel’s reality golf competition Big Break Ireland, a success the Kerryman imagined would open the door to invitations to more prestigious tournaments in the United States and Europe.

It has not worked out that way, alas, but an opening three-under 69 at Royal Portrush yesterday gave him a shot at a finish that will earn tournament starts automatically.