Rookie Sam Murphy Claims the 2026 Ein Bay Open in His Professional Debut

Egypt, February 19, 2026 – Ireland’s Sam Murphy delivered a composed and impressive performance to capture the 2026 Ein Bay Open, securing victory in his very first tournament as a professional.

Starting the final round with a two-shot lead, Murphy appeared firmly in control through the opening 11 holes, recording three birdies and eight pars to extend his advantage. The momentum shifted from the 12th onward, where two bogeys brought his closest challengers back into contention. A moment of real drama came at the 18th, when his approach narrowly avoided the water by a matter of inches. The Irishman responded with an excellent up-and-down to seal the title in style.

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Murphy earns €6,200 and 6,525 Order of Merit points, marking a remarkable start to his professional career.

Fellow Irishman Robert Moran, who had been well off the pace at the halfway stage, made a notable comeback with four birdies on the back nine. He ultimately finished two shots behind Murphy after a closing bogey at the 18th.

Spain’s Ruben Pardo Rodriguez and Mario Galiano Aguilar, alongside England’s Barclay Brown, shared third place, three shots back of the winner. Brown had drawn level with the lead during the final round but dropped three shots over his closing three holes, with a bogey at the 16th followed by a double bogey at the 18th.

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.

Round 3 Player Quotes 

Sam Murphy : “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.

Last year at the QSchool, 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, 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.”

On the final hole, Rob and I both found ourselves in the right rough. I saw he was hitting a pitching wedge, and I was a few yards further back. His shot went long right, so I knew a pitching wedge would be ideal for me. My ball caught the wind, hit the bank, and rolled into some casual water just before the main water hazard. Sometimes you need a bit of luck to win, but I still had to get up and down to clinch the victory. It’s probably one of the best up-and-downs I’ve ever had.”

Robert Moran : “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.”

Tournament Sponsors

The 2026 Ein Bay Open and the 2026 Red Sea Little Venice Open are supported by Sokhna Golf Club, the Egyptian Golf Federation, Elano, Hechter Paris, Holibees, Mercedes, and TPC – Touristic Promotion Company.

Photo : Alps Tour – 3MIND – Raffaele Canepa

Alps Tour Media Contact- Nathan Cardet : [email protected]

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