Farewell Christy O'Connor Jr.
Farewell Christy O'Connor Jr.
Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC. We conduct 1, 2 and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993. We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.
Golf Blog by the Mel Sole Golf School.
I join legions of golfers who mourn the loss of legendary European Tour player Christy O'Connor Jr. O'Connor's wins include the 1975 Irish Open plus three other European Tour events. In addition, he won the Senior British Open in 1999 and 2000. He played the Ryder Cup twice and is renowned for his 2-iron shot into The Belfry's 18th green at the 1989 Ryder Cup. It set up the win for Europe to retain the cup. But Christy O'Connor will be remembered most for his kind and gentle soul.
Read on for a couple of short stories that reveal the heart of this much-loved Irishman.
Irish golf legend O’Connor Jr. dies at 67
Christy O'Connor Jr. holes a dramatic winning putt in his singles match against Fred Couples during the 1989 Ryder Cup. ( Getty Images )Wednesday, January 6, 2016 - Farewell Christy O'Connor Jr.
O’Connor, who died in Spain at age 67, according to media reports in Ireland and the U.K., achieved eternal fame for the 2-iron approach shot that he hit to The Belfry’s 18th green in the 1989 Ryder Cup. It set up a one-hole victory over Fred Couples and proved decisive in the 14-14 draw that allowed Europe to retain the Ryder Cup.
The shot that everyone remembers!
Speaking of that shot in 2010, O’Connor said:
“Everyone knows I played the shot of my life, a 2-iron from 235 yards that finished 4 foot from the hole. I guess you could say I did put it on the green and something did happen. I remember looking up to the sky with my arms outstretched and tears ran down my face.
"It was unforgettable."
£50,000
O’Connor, the nephew of Hall of Famer Christy O'Connor Sr., sold that 2-iron to an anonymous Irish businessman for £50,000, which he donated to a local hospice in his hometown of Galway. That charitable act summed up the man, as I found out during the second round of the 1990 Scottish Open at Gleneagles.
The Irishman was on his way to a 77 and a missed cut. On the short par-4 14th hole, a small boy of about 8 ran under the gallery rope toward O’Connor. He was brandishing an autograph book. The problem was, O’Connor’s playing competitors had not yet putted out.
O'Connor gently grabbed the young boy, crouched down so that he was the same height and placed his right index finger to his lips to let the boy know to stay quiet. The young boy did as ordered. Once the two players had putted out, O'Connor gently explained the breach of the etiquette to the boy. Then he not only signed the boy’s autograph book, but he reached into his bag, took out a ball, signed it and handed it to him. Then he ruffled the boy’s hair and directed him back to his parents.
The gallery broke out in spontaneous applause to acknowledge O'Connor’s deed.
Source: Alistair Tait Golf Week Mel Sole Golf School.
Pictures: Getty Images
Thanks for reading - Farewell Christy O'Connor Jr.
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