DECATUR, AL (August 5, 2018) - The 18th Alabama State Match Play Championship concluded today where Sam Murphy of Decatur defeated Harlan Winn of Birmingham 6&5 in the final match.

In the morning semifinals, 8th seed Sam Murphy of Decatur defeated 13th seed Frankie Wade Jr. of Hoover 2 and 1. Murphy was 4-up through 11 holes however faced a comeback from Wade with the match going to all-square through 15 holes. Birdies on 16 and 17 gave Murphy the victory and a spot in the final.

In the match behind, Sam Murphy’s brother, Mac Murphy, fell to Harlan Winn of Birmingham. Winn made a long eagle putt on the par-5 13th to go 4-up with five holes to go. Despite Murphy winning both the 15th and 16th holes, Winn held on to take a 2&1 victory.

The afternoon final saw Sam Murphy, a member of Burningtree Country Club, play Harlan Winn of Birmingham for the championship title. Murphy got off to a quick start winning four of the first five holes to be 4-up through eight.

Winn held on, halving with pars on eight, nine, and ten, however soon ran out of holes. Murphy made par on the 13th hole to claim a 6&5 victory.

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