Christy O'Connor 1924 - 2016

INPHO

Christy O'Connor Senior died in Dublin on Saturday, aged 91.

The Galway native won more than 20 tournaments on the Irish and British circuit and finished in the top 10 of The Open on 10 occasions.

O'Connor competed in every Ryder Cup between 1955 and 1973 and was inducted into the prestigious World Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.

He was uncle to Christy O'Connor Junior, who died in January aged 67.

O'Connor Senior won the British Masters in 1956 and 1959 and his best finish in The Open was tied-second at Royal Birkdale in 1965, two strokes behind Peter Thompson.

He often explained his chances of winning a major were greatly diminished by the fact he could rarely afford to travel to the United States.

O'Connor Senior also played in 15 World Cups, winning in 1958 with Harry Bradshaw.

He won six PGA Senior Championships between 1976 and 1983.

Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke said he learned the news with "great sadness".

"Christy was in many ways the father of Irish golf and his death, so soon after that of his nephew, Christy Junior, means that Ireland has lost two Ryder Cup legends in the space of five months.

"Christy Senior was a golf icon and a wonderful person as well. He did so much for the game he graced for many years while the Ryder Cup to some extent is what it is today because of his passion for it.

"Irish golf in particular and golf in general has lost one of its greatest heroes."

A member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and his nephew Christy O'Connor Jnr, also a Ryder Cup player and died suddenly in January at the age of 67.

The older O'Connor, known as 'Himself' among his fellow players, achieved a best finish of second in The Open Championship.

Ryder Cup director Richard Hills said: "Today we have lost not only one of the greatest Ryder Cup players the game has even seen, but an incredible man.

"My abiding memory of Christy is phoning him with George O'Grady to break the news that he'd been elected into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2009, and he wouldn't believe us.

"He said he'd only believe it if he saw it in writing, so I was dispatched to Royal Dublin to present him with a letter. As he read it, his face broke into a huge grin and he gave me a massive bear hug.

"The other thing that sticks out for me is how Seve Ballesteros used to watch him. When Seve, who as we all know was a genius of a player, first came out on tour in 1976, he would seek out Christy to watch him practise and watch his hands. Christy was built like a bull but he had incredible hands for golf.

"Christy did so much for the game of golf and his legacy will long live on. After the tragic, sudden death of his nephew, Christy O'Connor Jr, in January, golf has lost two of its greatest men.

"On behalf of everyone at the European Tour, our condolences go to the O'Connor family."

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Maguire and Meadows Miss Inspiration

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Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadows missed the cut after they hit respective second rounds of 76 and 78.

The Irish duo had left themselves with considerable work to do after poor opening rounds on Thursday, yet Maguire hit four more bogeys in her second round to finish seven over for the tournament - three shots better off than Meadows who struggled with six bogeys on Friday.

Lexi Thompson’s putter switch helped her surge up the leaderboard to grab a share of the lead at the halfway mark of the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, California on Friday.

Thompson carded four birdies in her last seven holes, including three in a row from the 12th, to shoot a four-under-68 and jump to seven-under for the tournament in the first major championship of the year.

The 21-year-old joined overnight leader Ai Miyazato atop the leaderboard at Mission Hills Country Club after the Japanese former world number one mixed five birdies and three bogeys on her way to a round of 70.

Six players sit just one shot off the pace, including New Zealand’s world number one Lydia Ko, who shot a 68 to go with her first round 70.

American Lizette Salas (67), Norway’s Suzann Pettersen (67), Koreans Park Sung-hyun (67) and Chun In-gee (69) and South African Lee-Anne Pace (70) also shared third place on a packed leaderboard with 19 players within three shots of the lead.

Thompson, who sat in a similar position in 2014 before going on to win the title, changed putters in the lead up to the tournament after a poor result in last week’s Kia Classic.

“I started practising with it Tuesday and putted with it an hour and a half a day to get comfortable with it but honestly 20 minutes into it I knew it was good,” Thompson told reporters.

“Coming off last week, just how it went for me and I knew where my confidence was I needed a change. It couldn’t get any worse. I tried it here and it felt amazing.”

The seven-times LPGA tour winner was particularly impressed with her finish in tough conditions.

“The rough is the highest I have ever seen it but that is what majors call for, tight fairways, thick rough and firm greens,” she said.

“That’s what you get here. I hit a few wayward shots but I recovered well and that’s what you have to do at majors.”

Spain’s Azahara Munoz, who held the overnight lead with Miyazato, tumbled down the boards with a 78 to drop to one-over and a share of 48th.

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Meadow Loses LPGA Play-Off

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Stephanie Meadow missed out on a LPGA card after a dramatic 12-hole play-off ended when America’s Carlin Beck chipped in for a birdie on the 18th hole at Final Qualifying in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The 22-year-old from Jordanstown was also in the rough close to the 18th green but her attempt to follow Beck and hole out failed.

It means Beck gains Category 12 status along with 19 other golfers, while Meadow will play on next year’s LPGA Tour with the more limited Category 17 status.

Meadow had a chance on the second play-off hole of the morning, the eighth in total after six were played on on Sunday, but she just missed a birdie putt from 10 feet after Beck and Casey Grice both missed their putts.

Grice was eliminated at the fourth hole they played today when she made bogey at the 10th, a hole where Meadow played a brilliant bunker shot to make par and continue on to the 18th, the 100th hole she played in the tournament.

Meadow looked set to earn Category 12 status without the need for a play-off before she made bogey at the 16th and 17th holes during the fifth and final round of regulation play on Sunday.

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Meadow Makes Qualifying Moves

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Stephanie Meadow remains well-placed for a place in the top order in the fourth round of the final stage of the LPGA qualifying tournament in Daytona Beach.

Meadow shot her second 72 of the week on the course yesterday, sandwiching a 66 on the Hills Course where she will tee off today five shots off the pace set by South Korea’s Ha Na Jang on 11 under.

Meadow began with nine straight pars before a birdie at 10, but back-to-back bogeys saw her drop to one over for the day before picking up that shot at the last.

She’ll look forward to a return to a layout more suited to her game.

“I’ve had some good history on this course,” she said of her 66 at Hills. “I played in a tournament here and won my freshman year so I really like this course and feel like it’s good for my game. I’m accurate and that’s what you need out here.”

Her target, first and foremost, is a place in the top 70 to make Sunday’s play, again on the Hills Course, and that looks to be all but secure with her current score of six under good enough for a share of seventh.

In the fifth and final round, Meadow will need to finish in the top 20 to claim “full-time” status on the LPGA Tour while players who finish between 21st and 45th will have “conditional” status.

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Meadow Clinches Third at Pinehurst

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Stephanie Meadow, in her first professional tournament, finished third in the US Women's Open on Sunday - three shots behind tournament winner Michelle Wie - thanks to a final-round 69.

Ahead of the event Meadow, originally from Jordanstown,  called upon advice from Rory McIlroy on how to play Pinehurst after he competed in the men's US Open on the course last week.

On Saturday Meadow forced her way into the penultimate group for Sundays final round on the notoriously difficult Pinehurst No 2 course. Tied third with Julie Inkster on two-over through 54 holes, Meadow teed it up with the seven-times Major Champion and Solheim Cup veteran for the final round.

Though Inkster faded out of contention, Meadow recovered from a couple of bogeys on her outward nine by landing a fabulous eagle three at 10. A phenomenally successful start to her new career, ensuring Meadow will hit the ground running in professional golf.

Meadow completed a glittering amateur career a fortnight ago by finishing as the joint top-scorer on the British and Irish team beaten in the Curtis Cup at St Louis Country Club.

A record-breaking nine-time winner during her four years on scholarship at the University of Alabama and a leading member of the Crimson Tide's National Championship-winning team two years ago, Meadow made it through to the US Women's Open as a first-alternative in a recent qualifier.

"I waited probably three weeks when we were at a training camp in Atlanta for the Curtis Cup and I got a phone call," she explained. "It was from New Jersey, and I'm thinking, 'Okay, this is the USGA'. And I'm thinking, please don't be about Curtis Cup, please be about US Open. To start my professional career here is so amazing. I'm so blessed that it happened.''

Meadow has been based in the States since age 14, when she joined the Hank Haney Junior Golf Academy in Sea Island, Georgia. She's accompanied at Pinehurst by her dad Robert and mother Louise.

After opening with a one-over-par 71 last Thursday, Meadow followed up with a 72 on Friday before Saturday's 69 propelled her to within four strokes of 54-hole leaders Michelle Wie and Korea's Amy Yang.

"I didn't really have expectations," said Meadow of her mission at the US Open. "I just wanted to go out and see where I was. I knew I was playing well.''

"I knew that my game could be up here against the best in the world and I've proven that, obviously."

Meanwhile Wie won her first major title with a two-stroke triumph over world number one Stacy Lewis in the US Women's Open at Pinehurst.

Joint overnight leader Wie, 24, carded a level-par 70 to see off the challenge of Lewis, who posted a 66.

South Korean Amy Yang, playing with Wie, fell away with a 74.

"I had a lot of fun," Wie said. "I walked up 18 with goose bumps and kind of had the same putt as Martin [Kaymer had to win the men's US Open last week]. I didn't hit as hard as him though.

"There were moments of doubt [during my career] but all the people around me never lost faith in me."

Wie burst on to the scene a decade ago by playing men's tournaments as a teenager. She failed to make a cut in her first seven tournaments but came back into form earlier this year with her first win in three seasons in April.

The Hawaiian's renewed confidence showed early in the final round at Pinehurst as Yang gave in to the pressure of playing in the lead group.

Wie holed out bravely for double bogey on 16 after he approach shot landed in a bush, ensuring she stayed a stroke ahead of Lewis.

However a superb birdie putt at the par-three 17th followed and, with her swagger back, Wie drilled her final drive down the last to set up a closing par and the victory.

Scotland's Catriona Matthew equalled Lewis' final-round best to finish tied-10th on five over par, though it was Meadow's stunning performance that most impressed of the British contingent.

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Rookie Meadow in US Open Mix

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Stephanie Meadow, who turned pro before the U.S. Women’s Open, enters Sunday’s final round at Pinehurst No. 2 tied for third, four shots off the lead.

“You couldn’t dream of a better start,” Meadow said.

A native of Northern Ireland, Meadow, 22, helped the University of Alabama win the NCAA women’s championship in 2012. She also helped Great Britain & Ireland win the Curtis Cup that year.

With a 1-under-par 69 Saturday, Meadow was just one of eight players to break par.

She isn’t overwhelmed being in the hunt in her pro debut.

“It’s awesome,” Meadow said. “I’ve worked my whole life for this.”

The 22-year-old, originally from Jordanstown, takes her first steps this week as a fully paid up member of the pro ranks after a stellar amateur career, one that included two Curtis Cup appearances.

Speaking before the US Open Meadow told the media

“I have completed my degree at the University of Alabama and it’s the perfect moment to come here and make this my first event,” said Meadow who moved with her entire family to the United States as a 14-year-old.

“This is the right time and I am definitely ready. I have waited a long time for this moment.”

When the Meadow family made the decision to emigrate to America some eight years ago it was probably considered something of a risky move but, rather like Graeme McDowell, Stephanie flourished in the Collegiate system, winning numerous awards.

A member of Royal Portrush Ladies, Stephanie has already played in a US Open as an amateur, the 2012 staging at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wisconsin and is in something of a hurry to get going.

“I am just excited to be a professional, I have dreamed about it for so long,” she added.

“To finally get it organised, to wake up and be able to say I am a professional, was great.

“As regards the US Open, at the end of the day, it is still golf course, a ball and a hole. Not much changes really, you just carry a bigger bag.”

Meadow had indicated that the Curtis Cup [at the start of June] would be her last event as an amateur but the official announcement was delayed by on-going administrative efforts to get her visa extended.

The issue has had a knock-on effect on her ability to make concrete plans involving signing contracts etc, but she is hopeful the matter will be addressed in a couple of weeks.

As it is, the planning process for the weeks after the US Open continues with Stephanie looking to sort out a schedule of events.

“It is very flexible at the minute,” she added.

“I will try and Monday qualify as often as I can for LPGA events and I also have an exemption into Symetra Tour event in August.

“I have written to a number of events in the hope of getting an invite. A lot of them haven’t made any decisions yet so it is really a case of waiting to see.

“I don’t think I will be playing much in Europe. I will focus on America and go to Q-School in the States.

“That’s the plan at the moment, but it could change. I have entered the final qualifying for the Women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale next month, but I will make a decision on that nearer the time.”

Sunday's final results could change things for the better.

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Meadow Opens Strong at Pinehurst

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Stephanie Meadow will start her second round of the US Women’s Open four shots off the lead after completing a weather interrupted opening round of 71 at Pinehurst No 2 in North Carolina.

The Royal Portrush golfer, making her debut in the professional ranks, resumed this morning on level par with two holes left to play but a dropped shot on the 17th saw her slip into a share of eighth place, four behind the overnight leader Stacy Lewis.

Meadow, who turned professional after the Curtis Cup earlier this week, made a flying start to life in the paid ranks and reached the turn in two under. And while three bogeys on the way home undid much of that good work, Meadow can be more than satisfied with her play at the challenging Pinehurst layout.

Lewis by one stroke after shooting 67 while 11-year-old Lucy Li shot an eight over 78 yesterday. The top-ranked women’s player in the world found three birdies on her way around and her fellow American Michelle Wie is a shot back after mixing five birdies with two bogeys.

Yet the main focus at the Pinehurst Resort was on the exploits of Li — at 11 the youngest qualifier to compete at the US Women’s Open after beating the record of Lexi Thompson, who qualified for the 2007 tournament aged 12.

The Californian amateur, who signed for birdies on the first and fifth holes but added three bogeys, two double bogeys and triple bogey to her card, trails Lewis by 11 shots.

“It was a lot of fun,” Li said of her round. “I kind of struggled today, but it was great.”

More than a dozen players failed to break 80. “I’m happy I broke 80,” Li added, “because I got two doubles and a triple and that can really ruin a score.”

“I guess I am glad that I got it over with, but I’m also excited for tomorrow.”

Asked what her plan was for the rest of the day, Li grinned and said, “Eat some more ice cream.”

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Profile - Suzann Pettersen

In 2011, Suzann played the majority of her season on the LPGA and had a sensational season including 2 wins and 11 top-ten finishes. First victory came in May at the Sybase Match Play Championship and her second win at the Safeway Classic Presented by Coca-Cola. 

She finished fifth at the Money List and made a total of $1,322,770.00 season’s earning. She also played three LET events which included a win at the Ladies Irish Open and tied for 6th place at the Evian Masters. Made her sixth appearance at the Solheim Cup and helped lead the European Team to victory by securing one of the most important points in the Sunday singles.

In 2010, Suzann played the majority of her season on the LPGA. Finished runner-up at the Honda PTT LPGA Thailand, the Kraft Nabisco Championship and the Bell Micro LPGA Classic; tied for second at the U.S. Women’s Open, the CN Canadian Women’s Open and the Lorena Ochoa Invitational with season’s earnings of $1,557,174.50. Suzann’s best finish on the LET was 5th at the Evian Masters Presented by Société Générale.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Won the French Open in 2001 in only her second start as a professional after beating Becky Morgan in a playoff. Finished runner up at the German Open behind Karine Icher. Finished runner up at the WPGA Championship of Europe behind Helen Alfredsson. Finished second at the Mexx Sport Open behind Karine Icher after a playoff. Won LET Rookie of the Year on 2001. Lost another playoff to Karrie Webb for the Australian Open in 2002. 

Lost yet another playoff to Iben Tinning for the Irish Open. Lost in her most recent playoff to Sophie Gustafson at the 2003 HP Open after shooting 62 to get into it. Playoff is not her favourite word! 

Represented Europe in the 2002 Solheim Cup in her rookie year. Represented Europe in the 2003 Solheim Cup, winning four points and conceding her singles match to Beth Daniel when she knew Europe had won the Cup. Represented Europe in her third Solheim Cup at Crooked Stick GC, Carmel, Indiana, where she was undefeated winning 3 points out of a possible four. 

Played in The Solheim Cup in 2007 at Halmstad GC in Sweden. Won six tournaments around the world in 2007 and rose to number two in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings by the end of the year. Won 2 LET tournaments in 2008: the Deutsche Bank Ladies Swiss Open at Golf Gerre Losone and the AIB Ladies Irish Open at Portmarnock Links. Ranked fifth in the world at the end of the 2008 season. 

Earned 10th worldwide victory at the 2009 the CN Canadian Women's Open. Made 5th Solheim Cup appearance at Rich Harvest Farms, USA. Ranked as World No.3 at the end of 2009. In 2011 added three more individual victories (two on the LPGA and one on the LET) to her CV. She also made her sixth Solheim Cup appearance at Killeen Castle, where the European Team regained the Cup from the US Team. She won one of the most vital points in her singles match against Michelle Wie, recovering from being 1 down and finishing with three birdies to help secure victory for European team.

AMATEUR

World Amateur Champion 2000, British Girls Champion 1999, Norwegian Champion 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000. Gained Evian Tour card after finishing 11th in LET Qualifying School 2001. 

PERSONAL

175cm with blond hair and blue eyes. Lists most sports, especially skiing, keeping fit and music amongst her hobbies. Names Norway’s Athlete of the Year in 2008 and 2010. Attached to Oslo GC. Represents Nike. 

TOUR VICTORIES

2001 French Open, 2007 SAS Masters, 2008 Deutsche Bank Ladies Swiss Open, 2008 AIB Ladies Irish Open, 2011 Ladies Irish Open.

OTHER VICTORIES

2007 Michelob ULTRA Open, McDonalds LPGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola, Longs Drugs Challenge, HANA Bank KOLON Championship, Honda LPGA Thailand 2007, 2009 CN Canadian Women's Open, 2011 Sybase Match Play Championship, 2011 Safeway Classic Presented by Coca-Cola.

SOLHEIM CUP

2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011.

Factfile

DOB: 7th April 1981

Place of Birth: Oslo Norway

Residence: Norway

InterestsAll kinds of sport and music

Turned Pro. 4th September 2000

Exemption Status: LET Ranking Tournament Winners

SponsorNike

RepresentsNorway