Victorian born Zach Murray had notable success as an amateur, including becoming the second-youngest men’s winner of the Victorian Amateur in 2013. He also added another victory in China, at the Aaron Baddeley International Junior against a strong international field. This win gave him a start at the 2014 Emirates Australian Open.
Murray won the 2015 Australian Master of the Amateurs by two strokes in a field which included future stars Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Davis.
Murray won his first professional event at the 2018 Nexus Risk TSA Group WA Open while still having his amateur status. A final round of 69 saw him win by two strokes.
Murray then turned professional in November 2018 before claiming the 2019 New Zealand Open, becoming the third-fastest rookie to win on the Asian Tour.
His amazing performance in winning his first-ever professional title saw Zach lead from start to finish, and qualify for the Asian Tour, which he has played throughout the 2019 season.
Speaking about his memories from 2019, Murray vividly remembers the thoughts going through his head as the tournament drew to a close.
“I have so many good memories of Queenstown, it makes me smile now just thinking about cool it was to win the 100th New Zealand Open”.
“That final round back in 2019, I can remember being extremely worried on the last hole when I was over the back of the green. I very clearly remember having a thought like ‘I’m never going to finish this hole’.”
“I also remember thinking this is what golf is all about. Just when you think you have it all sorted and under control, you are dealt with some adversity”.
“Since my win was a few years ago now, I think there’s no pressure as a former Champion. I will be drawing from how awesome my experience was winning and that I think in turn that will allow me to play my best golf.”
Queenstown now holds a special place in the Murray household and both Murray and his partner Amy are looking forward to returning.
“You only have to ask my partner Amy how much we love Queenstown. It’s my favourite place in the world, and I reckon I think about Queenstown at least once a week. It holds a very special place in my heart and I’m very much looking forward to coming back.”
Since the break during the pandemic, Murray, has struggled with his game but believes that he is now moving in the right direction and is looking to add a second New Zealand Open crown to his cabinet.
“To be honest, I have struggled a bit since the pandemic. I’m not sure why but it’s really only been on the last few months that I feel I have starting to move in the right direction results wise.”
“The pandemic for me gave me to some time to reflect and surround myself with some amazing people who are now part of my team and that’s just taken time for some of those adjustments to kick in. But my game as of now it’s on the upward trend.
“My plans looking ahead for 2023 is to win the New Zealand Open and then play on the Asian Tour which I’m super excited about.”
