MURPHY WINS ON PROFESSIONAL DEBUT IN EGYPT
Ireland’s Sam Murphy wins on his professional debut at the Ein Bay Open on the Alps Tour (Photo: Alps Tour/3MIND/Raffaele Canepa)
Ireland’s Sam Murphy got his professional career off to a flying start by winning on his first outing to capture the 2026 Ein Bay Open at Sokhna Golf Club in Egypt on the developmental Alps Tour.
A closing final round 71 was enough to win by two strokes on 11 under to deny compatriot Robert Moran, who made it an Irish one-two in Egypt. The Portumna man displayed composure and experience beyond his years to secure his first professional win.
Murphy started the final round with a two-shot lead and maintained his advantage with a run of three birdies in four holes from the eighth. However, momentum shifted in the latter stages as he dropped shots at 12 and 15 ad Moran and co were back in contention.
However, Murphy kept the real drams until the 18th when his approach narrowly avoided the water by just inches before making an excellent up-and-down to secure the win in fine style.
“Winning my first event is the perfect way to start both the season and my professional career. It’s surreal - especially considering how far I’ve come in the past four or five years, overcoming numerous injuries and challenges. This victory means a lot to me,” said Murphy.
“Last year at the Q-School, I played well and finished second (First Stage) and fifth (Final Stage), which gave me confidence that I could compete at this level. I hadn’t won in three or four years, so this makes the win even more special. The standard of golf here is very high, so I’m thrilled to have come out on top.
“Honestly, I was probably the calmest I’ve ever been through all three rounds, which was a pleasant surprise. I have a great friendship with Rob (Moran), and we chatted throughout the match, but things got tense toward the end as the wind picked up. Stepping up for that final putt, I definitely felt the nerves, but this is the moment you train for - to make a putt to win a tournament. I’m delighted with the outcome.”
The win earned Murphy €6,200 and 6,525 Order of Merit points, a remarkable start to his professional career. Moran picked up €4,186 for his runner-up finish. The Castle golfer had been well off the pace at the halfway stage, made a notable comeback with four birdies on the back nine but was left to rue a bogey on the final hole.
Moran said: “It was a mix of emotions for me. With about nine holes to go, I wasn’t even thinking about winning; I just wanted to finish as high as possible. Playing alongside Sam, who’s a good friend, I tried to support him and focus on my own game. I played some nice golf coming in and was just one shot behind on the last hole. Sam’s chip shot was outstanding and ultimately won him the tournament. While it’s disappointing not to win, finishing second at the first event of the year makes me happy.
“I played a lot of golf over the winter, with some good and some mixed results, so I’m glad to have carried some of my strong play into this tournament. Overall, I’m pleased with my performance.”
Spain’s Ruben Pardo Rodriguez and Mario Galiano Aguilar, alongside England’s Barclay Brown, shared third.
The players will return to action on Sunday, February 22nd, for the 2026 Red Sea Little Venice Open, also at Sokhna Golf Club, this time on Course B&C.