I’ve won a World title... but trying to qualify for Open was another level
SNOOKER ace Shaun Murphy has conquered all on the green baize.
He’s won the World Championship, Masters and UK Championship crowns.
But the successful potter discovered life is not so easy on golf’s green fairways.
Murphy is a talented scratch golfer and loves playing the sport when not competing in snooker’s top tournaments.
But the dedicated professional discovered another level of pressure and skill required to shine when he temporarily swapped the baize for the links as he launched an ambitious bid to qualify for this month’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
Murphy was eligible to enter qualifying at County Louth last month because of his scratch handicap and joined 1,200 players, playing at different qualifying events around the UK, in a bid to win one of only 12 coveted qualifying places.
And although the 36-year-old missed qualification for the final qualifying round, the former world snooker champion loved the experience.
“I felt like a bit of an imposter to be honest,” joked Murphy (right). “It felt a bit wrong that I was allowed to enter, but I loved every minute of it.
“I played well, but when it did go bad, it went really badly wrong.
“You could tell quite a few people were talking about me playing, it was like ‘Who’s this snooker player playing our game?’.
“But it was a great day even though I didn’t qualify, I just discovered it was another level in standard.
“It was terrifying getting up on the tee box and I definitely felt nerves, but I think having experienced and dealt with pressure in snooker matches helped me.
“Thankfully, I hit a good shot and didn’t embarrass myself.”
Murphy finished with a respectable round of 84, which included 11 pars and one birdie.
But the Dublin-based cueman still finished 18 shots off the eventual winner.
“I’m just a social golfer and I’ve got two children now, so it’s not easy to fit in around my family and playing snooker,” revealed Murphy.
“But we get a lot downtime at snooker tournaments and there’s only so many boxsets you can watch, so I’ll definitely try and play more this season.”
Murphy caddied for his pal and golf professional Graham Neville in the final Open qualifying round a few years ago.
And the experience was the catalyst for him to try for a dream to potentially play against some of his favourite players, including Rory McIroy, Ian Poulter, Phil Mickleson and Tiger Woods.
“I follow all of th them, I love watching golf,” ad added Murphy. “Dan “Danny Willett and Tom Tommy Fleetwood hav have both come to watch the World Snooker Championship. “The mentality m is very sim similar. It’s about staying c cool under pressure and focusing to do your yo best.
“I thin think we’ll hear more about abo mental strength in sport.
“Menta “Mental strength is good for se self-esteem, self-confid self-confidence and helping to harness your talent to be successful.
“Golf is a sport I love, maybe I’ll t try to qualify again one d day if the dates work. Never say never.”