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| PA News |
1985 Ryder Cup star and former British Senior Open champion Christy O’Connor Jnr has died at the age of 67.
The Irishman, who turned professional in 1967, was best remembered for helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup at The Belfry in 1989 when he fired a stunning two-iron to within four feet of the 18th pin to beat Fred Couples and secure a 14-14 draw with the States.
O'Connor, the nephew of golfing great Christy O'Connor, won four times on the European Tour before joining the senior ranks where he won back-to-back British Seniors Open titles on home soil in 1999 and 2000.
In a statement, the Golf Union of Ireland paid tribute to the Galway man, labelling him a 'gentleman, an iconic figure of Irish golf and a true ambassador'.
"He was a pioneer for professional Irish golfers and inspired a generation of players," the organisation added.
O'Connor, who in his latter years was heavily involved in designing over 30 golf courses across Europe, died in his sleep while on holiday in Tenerife.
Fellow-countryman Shane Lowry said: "Very sad news today about Christy O'Connor Jnr. An absolute legend of Irish golf. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones."
George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour from 2004-2015, said: "It is a very sad day for the O'Connor family and for Ireland as a whole.
"Christy Jnr was a legendary figure and his immense legacy is far more than purely his playing record. He was a universally popular player and always enhanced every tournament he played, no matter the occasion. His infectious charm will be sorely missed."
Ken Schofield, executive director of the European Tour from 1975-2004, said: "Christy Jnr's playing record will rightly depict him as one of Ireland and Europe's leading players of his generation - the generation that set the template for today's global European Tour.
"Much more so for everyone involved with the Tour and the game of golf, Christy will be remembered as a gentleman spirit - every amateur golfer's dream as the perfect Pro-Am partner, on and off the golf course. It is a very sad day for the game and our hearts go out to Ann and all the extended family."
Speaking in 2010 about his famous victory over Couples, O'Connor Jnr revealed European captain Tony Jacklin had been one of the few people to have faith in one of his three wild card selections.
"It was the greatest and most emotional moment of my professional life," said O'Connor Jnr, who is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Ann and son Nigel. "I'd felt terrible at breakfast that morning because of an article writing me off in one of the Sunday newspapers.
"I felt the pressure it put on me was too much. Tony Jacklin, the captain, was brilliant on the final hole. He said on the 18th tee that if I put the pressure on, Fred wouldn't be able to take it.
"Even though I was miles behind him after the tee shots, Jacko didn't lose faith. 'Put it on the green, I've a feeling that something will happen,' he said.
"Well everyone knows that I played the shot of my life, a two iron from 235 yards that finished four foot from the hole. I guess you could say I did put it on the green and something did happen. I remember looking up to the sky with my arms outstretched and tears ran down my face. It was unforgettable."
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