In a career that spanned 28 seasons on the European Tour, four wins, two Ryder Cup appearances 14 years apart, two Senior Open titles and the affection of most of those he came across, it might have rankled with Christy O’Connor Jnr that he was remembered for just one shot.
But the Irishman, who has died at the age of 67 while on holiday in Tenerife, actually didn’t mind a bit. The two-iron from 235 yards on the 18th at the Belfry in the 1989 Ryder Cup, which beat Fred Couples and effectively clinched a 14-14 tie meaning Europe held the trophy for the third time in succession, is a premier moment in European Tour history.
“It was the greatest and most emotional moment of my professional life,” he recalled in 2010. “Everyone knows I played the shot of my life. I remember looking up to the sky with my arms outstretched and tears running down my face. It was unforgettable.”
https://youtube.com/watch?v=cHlaZW9hXd4%3Frel%3D0
Christy never even had to hole out after that two-iron landed four feet from the cup, as Couples, yards ahead of him up the fairway after a monster drive, blocked a routine wedge and failed to get up and down to lose the hole and the match. The point was crucial in Europe retaining the trophy for skipper Tony Jacklin after the historic victories in 1985 and 1987.
O’Connor Jnr was far more than just that one two-iron, however epochal it was. He was a founder member of the European Tour in 1972 and for 21 seasons he finished in the top 100, winning the Irish Open in 1975. Three years after the Belfry, he was still good enough at 44 to win the British Masters.
He won the 1999 Senior Open at Royal Portrush and also Champions Tour titles before turning successfully to course design, the Irish Open venue Fota Island being once of his courses.
He was also one of the most popular men on Tour, as former Executive Director Ken Schofield said yesterday.
“Christy was one of Ireland and Europe’s leading players of a generation that set the template for today’s global European Tour,” said Schofield.
“But much more so for those on Tour and those he played with, he’ll be remembered as a gentleman spirit – every amateur’s dream as the perfect Pro-Am partner, one and off the golf course.
“It’s a very sad day for the game and our hearts go out to his wife Ann and extended family.”
Fellow Irishman and former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, who had his own career moment on the 18th at the Belfry 13 years later, wrote on Twitter: “We’ve lost a true Irishman, character and golfer – Christy O Connor jnr RIP.”