Headline: Veteran Paul Murphy Leads the Way at U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifying at Framingham Country Club; Locals McConnell, O'Sullivan & Galvani Also Qualify
For Immediate Release: August 23, 2010
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The 2010 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship marks the 15th USGA Championship that Paul Murphy has qualified for over the course of his career. |
Framingham, MA — Fine wines improve with age and apparently the same is true for Paul Murphy (Charles River CC).
One year after winning his first Massachusetts Senior Amateur Championship title and one week after qualifying for the third round of the British Senior Amateur Championship, the 59 year old from Arlington has done it again.
Murphy carded an even par 72 at Framingham Country Club on Monday to earn medalist honors and an all-important spot at next month's U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship.
This marks the 15th USGA Championship that Murphy has qualified for over the course of his stellar amateur career. There is no doubt that Murphy – along with the more than 60 competitors who also competed at Framingham Country Club – would place this latest achievement among his most memorable.
Facing persistent rain throughout the day, Murphy began his day with a birdie on the 523-yard, par 5 1st hole and went on to make eight straight pars to make the turn at 1-under par 35. A second birdie – on the 488-yard, par 4 12th hole – put him at 2-under for the round but back-to-back bogeys on the next two holes dropped Murphy to even par for the round. Like a true veteran, Murphy was able to right the ship and make four straight pars to cap off his even par round and assure him a spot at Championship Proper, scheduled for September 25-29 at Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton, New York.
In addition to his many USGA Championship appearances and his most recent MGA title, Murphy has captured the 2006 New England Senior Amateur Championship, 1975 Francis Ouimet Memorial Tournament, three Southeastern Amateur Championships (1987, 1992 and 1999) and 13 club championships at Charles River Country Club.
Joining Murphy in Long Island are Tim Hamm (Harborside International) from Chicago, Thomas McConnell (Framingham CC), Mark O'Sullivan (Juniper Hill GC) and Victor Galvani (Framingham CC).
Following the 18 holes of regulation, Galvani faced off against Nick Bendiak (Framingham CC) in a battle for the fifth and final qualifying spot. On the second playoff hole – the course's 350-yard, par 4 2nd hole – Galvani drained a 60-foot birdie putt to secure his spot. Earlier this season, Galvani, who turned 28 years old this month, advanced to the Round of 16 at the Massachusetts Amateur Championship.
Complete coverage of the 2010 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship can be found online at www.usga.org.
2010 U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifying
Framingham Country Club (Framingham, MA)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Par 72 (36-36)
Qualifiers
1) Paul Murphy Charles River CC) 35-37--72
2) Tim Hamm (Harborside International) 37-36--73
T3) Thomas McConnell (Framingham CC) 36 38--74
T3) Mark O'Sullivan (Juniper Hill GC) 40-34--74
5) Victor Galvani (Framingham CC) 41-34--75
Alternates
1st) Nick Bendiak (Framingham CC) 34-41--75
2nd) Charles Blanchard (Wannamoisett CC) 38-38--76
