Crossfield’s Patrick Murphy may soon have to expand his trophy case.
The 13-year-old won the Boys’ 13-14 age group at the 2010 San Diego Junior Amateur Golf Tournament by two strokes on Dec. 30, as well as the overall championship and the Boys’ 11-13 age group at the Holiday Golf Classic in Fallbrook, Calif., Dec. 19.
By winning the San Diego event, considered a future champion’s event, Murphy earned a spot in the Callaway World Junior Championship, back in the Southern California city in July.
“It’s very prestigious because there were three present world champions in the field and he was able to prevail,” said John, Patrick’s father.
“It’s a coming-of-age. He has been working increasingly hard and putting in a lot of time to make sure he can compete in the States. He’s known he’s got the ability, but this is a verification and a breakthrough for him.”
Murphy, who was born in Yellowknife but moved to Crossfield at a young age, shot a two-under-par to win the fourth annual Junior Amateur, which was held at the Willow Glen Golf Club between Dec. 28-30.
An extra day was needed due to poor weather and the final wasn’t completed. At the Holiday Classic, a week earlier at the Fallbrook Golf Club, weather also played a factor.
“It was a two-day event that got shortened to one day, because of all the torrential rains that hit San Diego during the holidays,” John said.
“But the tournaments were good for him, as a lot more people are interested in him now. His major goal is to compete. To go down there (San Diego’s Worlds) and have that confidence.”
