The Irishman has only played one competitive event north of the border, winning the Irish Amateur Close at Portstewart in 1995, but will tee it up alongside heroes of the game at Galgorm over the next three days looking to make it another special week.

Former Masters champion, Ryder Cup captain and World No.1 Ian Woosnam headlines a star-studded field at the Co Antrim venue that also includes the likes of David Howell, Phillip Price, Thomas Levet, Peter Baker and Stephen Gallacher.

But Murphy is hoping to be the best of the lot and pick up his first Legends Tour victory at Galgorm, hoping that past glories will spur him on.

“I’m really excited. I think this is my first time playing a professional tournament in Northern Ireland, which is pretty cool,” smiled Murphy.

“All the Irish Opens I played were always down south. I did win the Irish Amateur in Northern Ireland at Portstewart, though, so I’m kind of one-for-one up here — which is a nice stat. Hopefully I can double my strike rate this week.”

Although he has never played at Galgorm previously, Murphy does have experience there having walked the fairways as part of his other job as a commentator for Sky Sports.

“I’m hoping it’s as easy with the clubs as it was with the microphone, that’s my wish for the week,” he laughed.

“It’s a great golf course, I was actually surprised at just how good it was. With the great summer we’ve had, I expect it’ll play fast again like it did then.

“Commentating gives a very different perspective. You become familiar with the course’s nuances and you’re essentially playing the course without fear, because you’re focused on explaining what players should do and how. That insight can help free you up when you’re actually playing.

“The targets are tough and there’s plenty of danger out there — which you don’t feel with a microphone in hand, but you definitely do with a golf club!”

Although he is still waiting for that elusive first win on the Legends Tour, Murphy has been steadily improving, including shooting rounds of 62 at Doonbeg and 63 at Portmarnock recently.

“It shows there’s a lot of good stuff in the tank,” says Murphy. “It’s just about relaxing and enjoying the challenge of tournament golf again.

“It’s tough because I’m working and playing part-time, trying to compete with guys who are full-time. But you’ve got to have hope. I’d love a few more days in the sun, competing with these great players. The standard is ferocious every week, so I’ll need my A-game to contend.”

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