Christy O'Connor Jr
Name:
Christy O'Connor Jr.Also known as:
JuniorCountry:
IrelandLived:
[1948-2016]. Born on Aug 19, 1948 in Knocknacarra, Co. Galway. Died on Jan 6, 2016 in Tenerife, Canary Islands, aged 67.Original/Home Club:
Galway GC, Galway.Occupation:
Professional golfer; golf course designer.Turned Pro:
1967Ryder Cup player (1975, 1989). Total professional wins (17), including European Tour (4), European Snr Tour (2) and Champions Tour (2).
Christy O'Connor Jr has designed many golf courses, particularly in Ireland. His work includes (but is not limited to): Concra Wood (2009, with his uncle Christy O'Connor); Dingle - CeannSibeal (with Eddie Hackett); Esker Hills (1996); Fota Island (1993, with Peter McEvoy); Galway Bay (1993); Glasson (1993); Knightsbrook (2006); O'Connor Jr course, Oceanico Golf, Portugal (2008); Palmerston House (2005); Rathsallagh (1996, with Peter McEvoy); Roganstown (2004).
Often referred to as simply "Junior", Christy O'Connor Jr was the nephew of another Irish golfing legend Christy O'Connor. O'Connor Jr enjoyed a successful professional career on the European and European Senior tours, while also pursuing his business as a golf course designer. He was perhaps best remembered for his win over Fred Couples in the 1989 Ryder Cup at The Belfry. On the final hole he drilled a stunning 2-iron to just four feet from the hole, knocked in the putt and claimed a memorable 1-up win over the American.
Europe
MasterCard
Played as the Senior British Open presented by MasterCard (14th) (July 27-30). Second-placed John Bland (RSA) finished 2 shots behind defending champion Christy O'Connor Jr (Ire), who recorded the second of his two wins on the European Snr Tour. [Royal County Down GC, Newcastle, Co. Down, N. Ireland].
America
State Farm
Played as the State Farm Senior Classic (July 2-4). Second-placed Bruce Fleisher (USA) finished 1 shot behind first-time Snr PGA Tour winner O'Connor Jnr (Ire). [Hobbit's Glen GC, Columbia, Maryland].
Europe
x
Played as the Senior British Open (13th) (July 22-25). Second-placed John Bland (RSA) finished 3 shots behind first-time European Snr Tour winner Christy O'Connor Jr (Ire). [Dunluce Links, Royal Portrush GC, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland].
America
Foremost Ins.
Played as the Foremost Insurance Championship (Aug 13-15). Second-placed George Archer (USA), John Jacobs (USA) and Jim Thorpe (USA) finished 4 shots behind O'Connor Jr (Ire), who recorded the second of his two Snr PGA Tour wins. [Egypt Valley CC, Ada, nr Grand Rapids, Michigan].
Europe
Dunhill
Played as the Dunhill British Masters (May 28-31). O'Connor Jr (Ire) beat Tony Johnstone (Zim) with a birdie at the first playoff hole, to record the last of his four European Tour wins. [Duke's course, Woburn GC, nr Milton Keynes, Bucks].
Africa
555
Played as the 555 Kenya Open (Eurpn Challenge Tr event). Second-placed Chris Platts (Eng) finished 2 shots behind O'Connor Jr (Ire). [Muthaiga GC, Nairobi, Kenya].
Europe
Jersey European Airways
Played as the Jersey European Airways Open (April 6-9). Christy O'Connor Jr (Ire) beat Denis Durnian (Eng) with a par at the first playoff hole. [La Moye GC, St Brelade, Jersey, Channel Islands].
Europe
Martini
Played as the Martini International (June 11-14). Christy O'Connor Jr (Ire) and Ian Stanley (Aus) finished in a tie for first place. Bob Shearer (Aus) and Guy Hunt (Eng) finished 1 shot further back in joint third place. This was the first of O'Connor's four European Tour wins. [Royal North Devon GC, Westward Ho!, Bideford, Devon].
Europe
Carroll & Co.
Played as Carroll's Irish Open (the first Irish Open since 1953; now with P.J. Carroll & Co. as title sponsor). Second-placed Harry Bannerman (Scot) finished 1 shot behind O'Connor Jr (Ire). [Woodbrook GC, nr Bray, Co. Wicklow].
Tournament of Champions: the PGA Tour’s calendar-year starts, as it has done since 1999, with this iconic event in Hawaii. The field is drawn from players who won a PGA Tour event in 2022, or were amongst the top 30 in last year’s FedEx Cup final standings (Jan 6-9).
Desert Swing: the European (DP World) Tour launches into 2023 with three events in its UAE “Desert Swing”. Up first is the Abu Dhabi Championship (Jan 19-22), followed by the Dubai Desert Classic (Jan 26-29) and the Ras Al Kaimah Championship (Feb 2-5).
Kathy Whitworth: the end of 2022 saw the passing of LPGA Tour legend Kathy Whitworth. Her 88 LPGA Tour victories is more than achieved by any other golfer on either the LPGA or PGA Tours. Amongst her victories were six major championship titles.
Barry Lane: the golfing world was also saddened by the passing of Barry Lane, one of the European Tour and European Senior Tours most popular players. Enjoying success on both Tours, Lane was know for his excellent ball-striking and amiable personality.
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.
Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.
Costa’s "Cruise & Golf" allows golfers and their families to combine a unique golfing experience with the relaxation and fun of a cruise on board Costa Smeralda. Golf enthusiasts are offered a choice from 23 top-quality golf clubs; their chosen courses are played during the ship’s port calls in Italy, France and Spain. While the golfers are driving the fairways, accompanying non-golfers are able to enjoy the amenities and activities on-board, or explore wonderful places on day excursions organised by Costa. Read more ...
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