Bob Murphy (golfer)
Robert Joseph Murphy Jr. is an American professional golfer who was formerly a member of the PGA Tour and currently plays on the Champions Tour. Murphy has won 21 tournaments as a professional.
Early life
In 1943, Murphy was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was a standout pitcher in his youth, and as a teen led his high school baseball team to the state championship in 1960. After suffering a football injury, Murphy got started in golf.Amateur career
Murphy attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. While he was an undergraduate, he played for coach Buster Bishop's Florida Gators men's golf team in National Collegiate Athletic Association competition from 1964 to 1966. While he was a college student, Murphy won the 1965 U.S. Amateur and the 1966 individual NCAA championship. He was also recognized as an All-American in 1966. In 1966, Murphy graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in health and human performance.Professional career
In 1967, Murphy turned professional. He won five tournaments on the PGA Tour. He was a member of the victorious U.S. team in the 1975 Ryder Cup competition. His best finish in a [Men's Men's major golf championship|major golf championship|major] tournament was a second-place tie at the 1970 PGA Championship. Murphy won 11 times on the Senior PGA Tour.Broadcasting career
Murphy first got into broadcasting while still playing. He joined CBS Sports as a tower announcer in 1984, working for CBS through 1991. He then joined ESPN as a color commentator, where he stayed through 1994. After a break from TV to play on the Senior PGA Tour, he joined NBC Sports in November 1999, and was a tower announcer for the PGA Tour on NBC through 2009, at which point he retired.Personal life
Murphy lives in Delray Beach, Florida with his wife, Gail.Awards and honors
- In 1966, Murphy earned All-American while at the University of Florida.
- In 1971, he was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a "Gator Great."
- In 1993, Murphy earned Senior PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors.
- In 2011, he was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.
Amateur wins
- 1965 U.S. Amateur
- 1966 NCAA championship
Professional wins (23)
PGA Tour wins (5)
PGA Tour playoff record| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponent | Result | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1968 | Philadelphia Golf Classic |  Australian wins (1)
Other wins (3)Senior PGA Tour wins (11)Senior PGA Tour playoff record
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