Andy Murray made his debut in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Thursday and the former tennis star impressed on the golf course alongside Eddie Pepperell
Andy Murray, the two-time Wimbledon champion, has proven his sporting prowess extends beyond the tennis court with an impressive debut at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The 38 year old, who retired from tennis following the Paris Olympics last year, has swapped his racket for golf clubs and is showing the same dedication that earned him two Olympic gold medals and a top spot in the world rankings.
Murray, now playing off a two-handicap, has set his sights on reducing his handicap to scratch and even dreams of qualifying for the Open in a few years’ time.
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He’s been participating in several pro-am tournaments, including the last two editions of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Now, he’s made his debut at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in his native Scotland.
Competing in the team championship, Murray will play at three iconic courses; Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews, reports Wales Online.
Teamed up with professional golfer Eddie Pepperell, Murray put on a solid performance at Carnoustie in the opening round on Thursday.
The duo finished seven under after the first 18 holes – tied for 94th and 10 shots behind the leaders of the team competition, Jack Senior and Dery Desmond.
While their chances of winning may seem slim, Murray displayed plenty of promising moments that suggest his dream of qualifying for the Open might not be as far-fetched as it seems.
One chip onto the green had some on social media platform X remarking that Murray – who also won a US Open title in 2012 – looked like a proper player.
Then, to finish the day off, Murray birdied the final hole at Carnoustie.
Ryder Cup hero Tyrrell Hatton was in Murray’s group on the opening day, with the former tennis star said to have even out-driven the World No. 25 on some of the fairways.
Pepperell and Murray are due to tee off at Kingsbarns Golf Links on Friday morning, before tackling the Old Course at St Andrews on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s final round.
Murray is familiar with St Andrews’ Old Course, having eagled the 18th there earlier this year.
Called the Tom Morris, the three-time Grand Slam champion sank the hole on the 357-yard par four with just his second shot – made all the more remarkable given it was his maiden trip around the course.
Murray previously discussed his golfing aspirations at the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am earlier this year, saying: “I want to try and play in the regional qualifying [of The Open] at some stage. A couple of my friends have done it, and it would just be a fun thing to do if you got to the level where you’re able to do that, I would do it, but I certainly don’t think I would have any chance of qualifying for The Open.
“I’m fully aware of how good the players that play in those events are and how good the pros are in comparison to amateurs. Even guys that play off +2, 3 are miles off what these guys are.”
Murray added: “Not next year, the following year. In a couple of years’ time, I think, well, I’m hoping I’ll be at a level where I won’t totally disgrace myself, but you never know.”
His desire and skill left the commentators stunned on the first day.
John E. Morgan remarked on Sky Sports: “Did I hear through the grapevine he wants, in a couple of years, to have a little go at qualifying for The Open, is that right?”.
Dominik Holyer confirmed in reply: “He would like to try and qualify, be good enough to try qualifying for The Open at St Andrew’s here in a couple of years’ time, you’re absolutely spot-on, John.”
Morgan pondered: “That’d make me feel quite bad, if he goes ahead and is able to do it, I mean, talk about multitasking, unbelievable.”
Holyer joked: “Some people just get all the talent, don’t they, John.”