Following the sad news on Saturday morning of the death of one of golf’s legends, Christy O’Connor Snr, tributes have been paid from many respected figures in the game and beyond.
Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills was one of the first to offer condolences on behalf of the European Tour, saying: “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 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-Richard Hills
After the tragic, sudden death of his nephew, Christy O’Connor Jnr, 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.”
Europe’s 2016 Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Christy O'Connor Snr.
Christy was in many ways the father of Irish golf and his death, so soon after that of his nephew Christy Jnr, means that Ireland has lost two Ryder Cup legends in the space of five months.
Christy Snr 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 the game in general has lost one of its greatest heroes.”
Most Ryder Cup appearances 🏆
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) May 14, 2016
11 Faldo
10 O'Connor Snr
10 Langer
10 Mickelson
9 Westwood
9 Furyk
9 Rees pic.twitter.com/LHBKMKiz6f
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has expressed his sadness, saying: "Christy O'Connor Senior was known as 'Himself' and always was himself, a wonderful man who left an indelible mark on professional golf and the sporting world.
“He was a larger than life character and the owner of the best pair of wrists in the game. He was a master of touch and feel on the greens and his brilliant golf was iconic for so many people, ever before television brought golf tournaments into every home.
“As you might expect from a son of Ireland, rain or wind never mattered to him, he was always simply outstanding. Of course he is synonymous with the Royal Dublin Club from the 1950s on, when he blazed a trail through the world of golf. His record of achievement stands apart, including playing for Ireland in 15 world cups and 10 consecutive Ryder Cups.
“I met him many times and it was always a pleasure to meet someone who epitomised Ireland and made us so proud. I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to his family and many friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
David Williams, Chairman of the European Tour, said: "The world of golf is diminished today as we mourn the sad death of one its greats. Our deepest sympathy to Christy's family from all of us at the European Tour."
