Murfitt flies on day of the dragon

Youth knew no bounds for Pennant Park captain William Murfitt as he won the battle of Wales and secured victory for Pennant Park in the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge final.

Murfitt, 26, was the youngest man in the field at Antalya Golf Club, yet powered his club to victory alongside PGA Professional and former PGA Cup player Andrew Barnett.

The duo headed the leaderboard ahead of two fellow Welsh clubs, Cardiff and Parc, who for much of the second day had looked like they would battle for victory between themselves.

But on the day of the dragon, Pennant Park made their move and carded an irresistible seven-under-par for the day, 10-under for the tournament, while others came unstuck on a wet and windy day in southern Turkey.

Murfitt’s finish on the back nine of the PGA Sultan Course was where the damage was done. He hit three nett birdies before a dramatic eagle putt at the last to claim his club a place in a last-ditch play-off alongside Adam Constable and Steve Jones of Cardiff.

There Murfitt, who works in finance, showed the calmness and composure of a pro to secure the title-winning putt and ensure the Flintshire club prospered in an all-Welsh top three.

Congratulations to @PennantParkGolf on winning PGA Pro/Captain event in Turkey. Superb finish from the captain

— Parc Golf Club (@ParcGolfClub) November 26, 2015

“Even though we weren’t close to the lead overnight, we felt we were in a good position to attack today,” he explained.

“Andy’s a great coach and was constantly helping me to improve. Yesterday I was hitting everything right so we went down to the driving range and worked on it. That’s been a huge help today.

“The finish was unbelievable and I still can’t believe it ended the way it did. To hole the winning putt in the play-off was absolutely amazing.”

Murfitt and Barnett know each other well, with the latter giving the Hampshire-born player regular coaching.

And both men felt that understanding helped as they were making a charge up the leaderboard.

“I felt like I was part player, mind coach and caddy this week,” Barnett smiled.

“I was just trying to help him out really and make sure he was able to play to the best of his ability.

“We both want him to take his game onto the next level now and we’re confident he’s capable of doing it.”

Murfitt is now looking forward to heading back to the club as champions.

“It’s going to be really good to go back, the whole place was buzzing after the regional qualifier,” he recalled.

“I imagine it’ll be just like that again this time, except we’ll be back with a big silver trophy in our hands!”