The San Francisco Chronicle - March 16, 2003
Tourney's timing works for Murphy
- Brian Murphy, Chronicle Staff Writer

The only thing preventing a full force of Irish golf nuts descending on Lincoln Park this morning to watch top seed Mark Murphy in the round of 32 at the San Francisco City Golf Championships? Check your calendar. It's March 16 - - otherwise known as the Day Before St. Patrick's Day. There's a parade in town today, after all, and let's be honest: The revelry around Irish pubs in town, in all likelihood, started on Friday night.

Too bad. The lads are missing some stellar play from Murphy, 24, who has come all the way from the picturesque town of Waterville in County Kerry to try to win himself a ''City."

"Otherwise," Murphy said after polishing off Anthony Ballonado, 7 and 5 with an eagle on the 13th hole, "the man tells me there'd have been a fierce crowd."

The "fierce crowd" may get another chance to see Murphy -- or "The Muppet," as he's known -- if he can get past Al Oppenheim of Mill Valley. Oppenheim plays out of Lake Merced and draws Murphy in the second round of Men's Championship Flight play today at 8 a.m. Winners today advance to next Saturday's round of 16.

Murphy, a top Irish amateur, is in California just for the month to play the municipal glories of Lincoln and "The City," at the urging of his friend, caddie and San Francisco lawyer Alan Zacks. Zacks met Murphy six years ago when he convinced Murphy to caddie for him during a rainstorm at the famed Waterville Golf Course. Murphy demurred, but Zacks offered him 100 Irish pounds -- now the two are pals. And what's Murphy paying Zacks for the loop in return?

"The glory of winning," Murphy said, needling Zacks.

Murphy was off, then, to phone back home and give his parents the good news on his win. He said his father will jump when the phone rings, and his mother will be proud down at the Chedean, her bake shop in the town of Waterville.

"Best scones and home baking around," Murphy said.

Yes, "The City" is one sun-splashed day old, and already it's chock full of storylines. Two defending champs were ousted -- James Hay, who fell to 19-year- old bomber David Kim; and veteran Ray Pellegrini, who lost in 19 holes to Daly City cop Alan Prows. One former champion, Jim Evans, advanced and will play an intriguing match against talented teenager Danny Faulkner, a City College student who dresses the part and is the son of city Rec and Parks greens- keeper Joe Faulkner.

And if you ever doubted whether the media is all-talk, no-show, check out KNBR radio personality Tom Spencer. He beat Burlingame High junior Andrew Sanchez, 3 and 2, and got to reminisce all the while: Spencer graduated from the same high school, only we won't mention how many years ago.

"A few of my old teachers are still there," said Spencer, whose work with CBS' PGA Tour coverage won't interfere, as CBS' next broadcast is not until the Masters in April.