Legendary Irish golfer Christy O’Connor Jr passes away

It is believed he was on holiday in Tenerife when he passed away suddenly.

O’Connor won four European Tour titles including his Irish Open triumph at Woodbrook in 1975. He won four European Tour events, while his best performance in a major came in 1985 when he finished tied 3rd in the Open Championship at Royal St George after shooting a brilliant 64 in the opening round to lead the tournament.

“He will be fondly remembered for his wonderful contribution to Europe’s victory in the 1989 Ryder Cup at the Belfry and in particular his stunning approach shot to the 18th which sealed the win for Europe”.

In his latter years, O’Connor Jnr was heavily involved in designing golf courses.

Singer Ronan Keating tweeted he was “deeply saddened by the news”, adding that O’Connor was “not just a great golfer but a Gentleman…Rest in Peace my friend. X”.

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley wrote on Twitter: “We’ve lost a true Irishman, character and golfer – Christy O Connor jnr RIP”.

Junior minister for sport Michael Ring, described O’Connor as one of the country’s finest golfer and sportsmen. His premature passing will be a source of great sadness to many Irish people and all golfing fans in Ireland and across Europe. “He will be greatly missed”. After playing for the losing Great Britain & Ireland team in 1975, where he was unable to notch a single point, O’Connor would have one more opportunity to play in the matches.