Murray stunned the Australasian circuit when he claimed the first wire-to-wire victory in the New Zealand Open since legendary Kiwi Sir Bob Charles in 1954.

He collected just under $212,000 for the two-shot win in March.

"You always base your result as a professional on how much money you earn," he said.

"I've played pretty consistent over the year, I've struggled to stay in contact the last few times, but as a whole I'd rate the year an 8.5/9 out of 10.

"To get a win and secure my card in Asia for three years (end of 2021) is really satisfying, it's been a really cool journey."

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Murray rocketed 502 places on the world ranking to 320, although he now sits at 495.

He finished tied for 18^th in South Korea in September, tied for 22^nd in the Indonesia Open earlier that month and tied 24^th in the Korea Open in June.

The 22-year-old says 'hanging tough' has been his major learning lesson on tour.

"As a professional you just learn to hang in there so much better than you do as an amateur," he said.

"You miss the cut as an amateur, it's not good, but it doesn't really mean that much in the scheme of things. As a pro if you do grind away, it might mean you secure your card and there's been so many instances where guys have missed keeping their card by a few dollars."

The NZ Open win means Murray doesn't have to worry immediately about his card on the Australasian or Asian tours, but he will later this week try to win full status on the world's second toughest circuit in the European Tour.

While so many players dream of the world's biggest golfing market - the US PGA - Murray has been dreaming of Europe since he was a child.

He tackles the final stage of European Tour Qualifying School in Spain.

It's a brutal test with 156 players vying for only 25 cards over six rounds at Lumine Golf Club, Tarragona.

"Sixteen-under (par) was 25^th last year, so you've got to average around three-under every round, so it's definitely not out of reach," Murray said.

"I played Q school in Asia and was leading for the majority and finished fourth, so I know what to expect."

But if Murray fails to gain his card, he has plan B.

The right-hander is second on the Australasian Order of Merit behind Ryan Fox, who has European status, so if the pair retains that finish, Murray will claim the card.

Either way, Murray has certainly retained his sense of humour.

"We're in a pretty cool spot on the Mediterranean (Sea), so worse-case scenario, I can go for a dip every day."