Christy O’Connor Junior has passed away.
The 67-year-old died suddenly in Spain.
The nephew of the legendary Christy O’Connor Snr, the Galway native was a two-time Ryder Cup winner – famously helping Europe to retain the trophy at the Belfry in 1989.
As well as winning four European Tour titles, including the 1975 Irish Open, he was twice crowned the British Senior Open champion.
2014 Ryder Cup winning Captain Paul McGinley said O’Connor was “a true Irishman, character and golfer”.
Tributes were also paid on social media today.
Very sad news today about Christy O’Connor Jnr. An absolute legend of Irish golf. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) January 6, 2016
Very sad to hear of the passing of Ryder Cup hero Christy O’Connor Jnr. Deepest sympathies to his wife Ann, daughter Ann and son Nigel.
— Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) January 6, 2016
