Murray Crafter

However he elected to not play in the continent again, returning to Australia where he worked as a club pro and golf course architect for the remainder of his career.

In his spare time he still played significant events, notably winning the 1966 West End Tournament, sharing the title with Kel Nagle.

[4] In his late teens, Crafter began receiving attention for his play in some minor South Australian events.

[10] Two years later, in July 1950, Crafter was the low professional at the Patron's Cup, a purse event at Glenelg.

In the afternoon, playing against a "strong wind," Crafter produced another "great round" of 71 to defeat Auld by one.

"I was impressed with the performance of Glenelg's young assistant professional, Murray Crafter," he said after a tournament they played together.

[16] Crafter was behind entering the afternoon's final nine but won a number of holes early on the back nine.

[18] Crafter maintained good play in the afternoon round, ultimately recording eight consecutive one-putt greens.

He shot a 72 to finish joint third, only behind his brother, Brian Crafter, and the champion Bruce Auld, three back.

[19] In March 1951, Crafter played the four-round Adelaide Advertiser Tournament held at Kooyonga Golf Club.

Crafter opened with rounds of 73 to put him in joint third at the midway point only behind leader Eric Cremin and Ossie Pickworth.

Cremin, the champion of the event, was so impressed with his talent that he suggested that Crafter immediately begin looking for senior assistant club jobs in Sydney, New South Wales.

[22] At the conclusion of the tournament, Frank Besemeres of The News stated that he "and his 19-year-old brother Brian are regarded by interstate golfing stars as two of the most promising juniors in Australia.

Despite shaky play around the greens, leading to a second round 78, he still won easily, defeating Fred Thomson by three.

"[4] In January 1952, Crafter was appointed assistant professional at Wynnum Club in Brisbane, Queensland.

He was "right with the leaders," in sixth place, three back of the lead held by Peter Thomson and Ossie Pickworth.

[53][54] However, "a brave finish" by Crafter, where he won the final three holes of the morning, gave him a 4 up lead at lunch.

[53][54] Both players won a number of holes on the afternoon's front nine and Crafter maintained a 4 up lead at the turn.

In the afternoon match, Crafter won a number of holes, briefly tying Auld but could never gain the lead.

[64] In addition, Crafter won the Grange Open again, sharing the title with Dick Foot.

[71] Crafter's win received international media attention and was widely reported across the United States by The Associated Press.

[73][74][75] In May 1960, Crafter travelled to Europe to play on the British PGA circuit and continental events.

[77] At the Penfold tournament, Crafter had one of the earlier tee times and his 69 put him one back of the clubhouse lead held by Henry Cotton.

[89] Crafter returned to Australia where he continued with success in the early 1960s, winning a number of tournaments.

In November 1960, he won the South Australian PGA Championship again, defeating John Sullivan 6 & 5 in the finals.

[92] In October, he won the Victor Harbour Open again, shooting rounds of 67 and 68, defeating John Sullivan by three.

He opened with a three-under-par 71 to put him one off the lead held by Peter Thomson, Bobby Brown, and Ron Howell.

[96] In early 1965, Crafter's brother, Brian, advised him to return to his original putting form.

[101] For the remainder of his career, Crafter largely worked as a club professional and golf course designer.

[105][106] In the late 1980s, he began work at Port Lincoln Golf Club in Boston, South Australia.