Meet The Beavers: Kevin Murphy
April 27, 2016 | Men's Golf
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Oregon State men's golf team golf team has another chance to bolster its resume for postseason play when it competes at the 57th Annual Pac-12 Championship Friday through Sunday in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The three-day, 72-hole tournament includes all 12 teams competing at the par-71, 7,209-yard Country Club in Salt Lake City. Friday's tee times will be off No. 1 and No. 10 at 7:30 a.m., followed by the second round teeing off at 12:30 p.m. Tee times for Saturday will begin at 10 a.m. off No. 1 and No. 10. Sunday's final round will begin at 8 a.m. off No. 1 and No. 10 with pairings decided by order of finish following Saturday's round.
Pac-12 Networks will air coverage of the championships on Sunday, May 8 at 10 a.m. PT. Greg Heister and Kay Cockerill will call the action.
Click on this link to go to the 2016 Pac-12 Men's Golf Championship site. Live scoring and pairings are available at golfstat.com.
Heading into the Pac-12 Championship, we take a closer look at Kevin Murphy, a junior from Rogue River, Ore., who is majoring in economics.
Name: Kevin Murphy
Year: Junior
Experience: 2 Letters
Hometown: Rogue River, Ore.
Major: Economics
Favorite college subject: Rock Climbing
What is your best academic achievement to date?
Staying eligible to play every tournament.
What do you want to do after you graduate from Oregon State?
Take over my dad's electrical company when I graduate.
When and where did you start playing golf?
I started playing when I was about 5 in my backyard. The first time I went to a course was when I was 9. My brothers and I convinced my dad to take us to a par-3 course when we got hooked on the game.
Have you ever gotten a hole-in-one? If so, when and where for each?
I got my first hole-in-one when I was a senior in high school. It was on the 17th hole at Centennial in Medford during a match with some buddies. My partner and I were down with two to play, but we turned it around with an ace and a birdie to close them out.
What's your favorite golf course and why?
My favorite course has always been Eugene Country Club. I always seem to play well there and it really defines what a course in the Pacific Northwest should be like. It will be hosting the 2016 NCAA Championship.
Why did you choose to attend Oregon State?
I chose Oregon State because although I was leaving my family, I felt like I had a new family waiting for me here. I knew I could trust those around me here and look to my coaches for sound guidance.
What do you like best about your teammates?
It's clear to see that every one of us looks out for the other. Secondly, there's never a time we aren't having fun together. When I talk with other teams, they're often making remarks like “I wish our team had as much fun as you guys.”
What do you like best about your coaches?
The one thing that stands out to me is their readiness to help. As soon as you walk into their office, it's all about what they can do for you.
What do you like best about Corvallis?
I like Corvallis mostly because it resembles the small town life I grew up in. I'm comfortable here and think if I was in a big city I would let the fast lifestyle get to me and stress me out.
Who is the most famous person you've played golf with?
Unfortunately, I can't say I've played with anyone particularly famous. However, five years ago in a junior tournament I did play with Bryson DeChambeau, the low amateur at the Masters this year who will be famous soon I'm sure.
Who would be in your dream foursome?
Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and myself.
If you could play a different college sport at Oregon State, what would it be and why?
In high school, baseball and golf were during the same season so I had to pick one or the other. For that reason, I would be interested to see how different my life would be if I picked baseball instead.
What is your best athletic achievement to date?
I've had a couple of top-5 finishes, but I won't feel satisfied until I start winning.
What are your team and individual goals for the season?
Make postseason and qualify for nationals in Eugene.
OREGON STATE ATHLETICS' EVERYDAY CHAMPIONS CULTURE
Through the power of sport, we help people discover and pursue their passions, talents and purpose in order to live a life of balance and positive contribution.
