Nicklaus salute for O’Connor Jnr

The great and the good of the golfing world have been remembering Christy O'Connor Jnr who passed away suddenly on Wednesday (Jan 6) whilst on holiday in Spain.

Eighteen-time Major champion Jack Nicklaus said: “Barbara and I were shocked and saddened to learn that Christy had passed. Christy was a great friend to our family, and a great friend to the extended family of golfers everywhere.

“He was an extremely talented and competitive player, but I think it is safe to say that Christy gave back far more to the game of golf than it ever gave him over a very rich life - whether it was his contributions as a player, a course designer or a passionate philanthropist.

“That's the kind of man Christy was and will be remembered as. Barbara and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Ann and the entire O'Connor family.”

2014 winning Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley said: “This is a terribly sad day for Christy’s family, obviously, but also for all of Ireland and lovers of golf worldwide.

“Just before Christmas I had a wonderful night out in Dublin with Christy and some of the older Irish pros – Des Smyth, Eamonn Darcy, Philip Walton, Jimmy Heggarty and Paddy McGuirk, as well as Ray Latchford who used to caddie for Christy and Des.

“We had a great night – full of memories, full of stories and full of good old Irish craic and laughs, and it is the laughter and fun that I will remember most about Christy.

“When I first came out on Tour in the early 1990s, guys like Christy, Darce, Jimmy Heggarty and Smythie were senior players and made time for me and took me under their wing. I had countless dinners with those guys, what a learning education that was!!

“They helped equip me for life on and off the Tour. I was very lucky to have had that time and a great relationship with Christy, which makes today’s news all the harder to take.”

Three-time major champion, Padraig Harrington, who is playing in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, Hawaii said; “When I woke up this morning I heard the sad news about Christy Jnr. I was shocked as I was only with him a few weeks ago and he was in great form, as always.

“He was a great golfer but more importantly a great man. I was lucky enough to cross over with him when I came out on tour and spend some time with him. It was always a fun time when you were with him. He will be missed by us all and we will remember him not just for his golf but also his great outlook on life.”

Tony Jacklin, two-time Major winner and 1989 Ryder Cup Captain, said: “Obviously I followed him very closely down the last two holes at The Belfry in 1989 and I caught him before he teed off at the 18th. I had noticed on the previous hole that Fred’s (Couples) hands were not operating properly – he had missed a short putt – so I knew Christy had him.

“Christy hit a wonderful tee shot and then Fred pulled his, but because he was so long he cleared the water, leaving himself with an eight iron, while Christy had a two iron. I said to Christy, ‘come on, one more good swing for Ireland’ and of course he hit the shot of his lifetime. We couldn’t have retained it without him, no doubt.

“He had a great effect on the team room too. We had a great team unity and he was a big part of that.

“Obviously Christy played in the shadow of his uncle but he became a legend in his own right, especially in Ireland. He will also be remembered for his architecture and his name will live on for a long time to come.

“My thoughts go out to his family. Of course, he endured the loss of his son and we will all be thinking about his wife Ann at this difficult time, no doubt about that.”