FIELDREPORT


Shock and sadness at Junior’s passing


The death of Christy O’Connor Jnr earlier this month at the age of 67 has prematurely robbed Irish and European golf of an iconic figure


B


est known, perhaps, for his two- iron to four feet across the lake to win his singles match against


Fred Couples in the 1989 Ryder Cup at The Belfry, O’Connor passed away in his sleep while on holiday in Tenerife. The nephew of Christy O’Connor, one


of Europe’s outstanding post-War golfers, now aged 91, Junior, as he was universally known, played in two Ryder Cup matches, won four European Tour titles, two Senior British Opens (at Royal Portrush and Royal County Down), two Champions Tour events and seven other tournaments. From The European Tour’s inception


in 1972, he finished inside the top 100 in the Order of Merit for 21 consecutive seasons. Over the past 20 years or so, he forged


a successful career as a golf course designer, with former Irish Open venue Fota Island near Cork and Galway Bay, just across the water from his home town, among his creations. He also designed courses in France, Netherlands, Hungary, St Lucia and, most notably, the Oceanico O’Connor Jnr layout at Amendoeira in the Algarve. “Christy was a true gentleman and a


great ambassador for our Amendoeira Golf Resort,” said Oceanico chairman Christopher Howell. “From day one Christy embraced the


project with passion. He quickly became part of the Oceânico family and would spend so much time on site, personally overseeing the course developments and re-working every detail, until he was 100 per cent happy with the result. “Every time he was in the Algarve and


had the opportunity, he would come and test his own masterpiece with friends and family. His charisma will live long in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to cross his path.” Tony Jacklin, O’Connor’s Ryder Cup


captain in 1989, said: “Obviously I followed him very closely down the last two holes at The Belfry. I’d noticed on the previous hole that Fred’s hands were not operating properly – he’d missed a short putt – so I knew Christy had him. “Christy hit a wonderful tee shot and


then Fred pulled his, but because he was so long he cleared the water, leaving himself with an eight-iron while Christy had a two-iron. I said to Christy, ‘come on, one more good swing for Ireland’ and of course he hit the shot of his lifetime. We couldn’t have retained the trophy without him. “He had a great effect on the team


room too. We had a great team unity and he was a big part of that.” Eamonn Darcy, fellow European Tour


veteran and close friend, said: “Christy obviously had big boots to fill aſter his


Christy


was a true gentleman and a great ambassador for our Amendoeira Golf Resort


uncle, but I never thought Christy Senior would be burying his nephew. “He was the life and soul of every party – ask anybody on tour and they will tell you the same thing. He would always be the one to get the party going if the atmosphere on tour was a bit flat. “He was a great player and a great friend. He had a great life but I’m just sorry it went so quickly and so suddenly, without time to say goodbye. It’s hard to comprehend – I only had dinner with him last week.


“He was great for golf and did so much work for charity in Ireland. He was a household name and it is a very sad day. I have lost a true friend.”


Paul McGinley, the 2014 European Ryder Cup captain, said: “This is a terribly sad day for Christy’s family, obviously, but also for all of Ireland and lovers of golf worldwide.


“I couldn’t believe the news when I heard it, especially as just before Christmas I had a wonderful night out in Dublin with Christy and some of the older Irish pros – Des Smyth, Eamonn Darcy, Philip Walton, Jimmy Heggarty and Paddy McGuirk, as well as Ray Latchford who used to caddie for Christy and Des.


“We had a great night – full of memories, full of stories and good old Irish craic and laughs. It is the laughter and fun that I will remember most about Christy.”


Christy O'Connor Jnr welcomed as a senior member by then EIGCA president, David Krause


O’Connor is survived by his wife and daughter, both named Ann, and son Nigel. He was predeceased by another son, Darren, who died in a road accident in 1998 aged 17.


SGBGOLF 41


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