Murphy Wins Azalea Invitational in Playoff

March 31, 2014

CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina junior golfer Will Murphy won the Azalea Invitational on Sunday, defeating M.J. Maguire on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff at the Country Club of Charleston.

Murphy and Maguire both finished their 54th hole with a total of 207 (-6) to force the playoff. On hole No. 1, Maguire recorded a bogey, and Murphy sank a par putt to secure the win.

A native of Columbia, S.C., Murphy opened the tournament with a 1-over 72 but put himself in position for the win with a second-round 67 (-4) and a 68 (-3) in Sunday’s round.

Murphy has played a key role for South Carolina this season, helping the Gamecocks win three tournaments and finish third or better in a school-record seven-straight events. He has played in all eight tournaments and has recorded three top-20 finishes, including a fourth-place finish at the Seahawk Intercollegiate. On the season, Murphy is tied for third on the team with a stroke average of 73.09.