Passing of Christy O’Connor Snr revives memories of majestic golfing career

GALWAY lost arguably its greatest sportsman of all-time with the passing of Christy O’Connor Snr at 91 in the Mater Hospital, Dublin last Saturday.

Just four months after the sudden death of his nephew and another acclaimed golfer, Christy O’Connor Jnr, Ireland’s trailblazer on the international circuit left a legacy of outstanding achievement on the fairways.

Born in Knocknacarra on December 21, 1924, O’Connor’s feats have stood the test of time as he made a major impact in the world of professional golf during the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

It was on his local course of Galway that O’Connor developed the classic swing which helped him win a staggering 44 tournaments, including the prestigious British Masters twice, the John Player Classic in 1970, and the News of the World Match Play in 1957.

The first golfer ever to win a five-figure sum in Europe, O’Connor played in every Ryder Cup from 1955 to 1973, setting a record of ten appearances in the event which stood until surpassed by Nick Faldo in 1997.

In 1958, O’Connor teamed up with Harry Bradshaw to win the then labelled Canada Cup (World Cup) in Mexico, while he was also Irish professional champion on ten occasions, including in 1978 when he was aged 53.

Subsequently, he became the leading ‘senior’ player of his era, winning the PGA Seniors Championship six times and the World Senior Championship in both 1976 and ’77.

On November 2, 2009, O’Connor received one of the highest honours in the sport when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida.

Runner up in the 1965 British Open and twice winner of the Order of Merit, he was one of the game’s greatest ball strikers in his pomp.

BBC commentator Peter Alliss, who partnered O’Connor in several Ryder Cup matches, once described ‘Himself’ – as the Galway man was affectionately known – as a ‘golfing genius’.

Allis also recalled the many “glorious times” he spent with O’Connor, on and off the course. “I was his Ryder Cup partner for many years; we used to joke that nobody else would play with us.”

“He was a wonderful partner and a beautiful golfer. We weren’t renowned for being brilliant, consistent putters, but when we were on our day we could put in a few. We both hit the ball well – Christy was just a joy to play with. He really was a genius of the sport and was also a lovely man.”

Multiple Major winner, Gary Player, in a recent tribute, said O’Connor Snr and Sam Snead were the greatest natural players the world had ever seen. “If Christy could have putted like me, he would have won several majors,” added the South African legend.

Since his passing, many of Ireland’s leading golfers, both past and present, have gone on record about how much they revered Christy Snr and how his feats had inspired them, including Des Smyth, who said he was golfer they all aspired to be.

President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, issued the following tribute: “Christy O’Connor Snr was a gifted sportsman who opened up the ground for many talented Irish golfers. Those of us fortunate enough to have met him will never forget this outstanding man and his great character of humour and compassion.”

Christy O’Connor Snr was honoured as Galway’s Greatest Living Sporting Legend in January of 2014 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Galway Sports Stars awards.

Though illness prevented him from attending the awards ceremony, Christy Snr was deeply moved by the accolade, especially the fact that he was being recognised by his own people of Galway. He never forgot his roots.