‘Himself’ Christy O’Connor

Christy was born in Galway on December 21, 1924 and was professional at Bundoran, Killarney and the Royal Dublin GC he has made 10 Ryder Cup appearances between 1955-1973 and won the Irish Professional Championship ten times. World Seniors Champion in 1976 and 1977. Third place in 1961 British Open and joint second in 1965 both at Royal Birkdale, twice winner of the Harry Vardon Trophy. As the Irish Open ended in 1954 and didn’t resume until 1975 he was never in a position to take this honour which he undoubtedly would have. He claimed victory in many events but the sweetest may have been the Dunlop Masters 1959 when he overtook Joe Carr who had built up what looked like an unassailable lead and JB recalls this as his greatest regret that he didn’t get the better of Christy. Christy was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.