Tributes pour in for Christy O’Connor Jnr

• Christy O’Connor Jnr has passed away aged 67
• Produced one of the best shots in Ryder Cup history
• Players pay tribute to the Irishman on social media

Tributes have poured in for two-time Ryder Cup player Christy O’Connor Jnr, who has died aged 67.

The Irishman will be most fondly remembered for his part in helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup in 1989 – playing one of the most memorable shots in the history of the biennial match.

After being defeated 3&2 alongside Ronan Rafferty against Mark Calcavecchia and Ken Green in the Saturday morning foursomes, O’Connor came out on Sunday and achieved an unlikely 1UP victory over Fred Couples, with his approach shot into the 18th to win a thing of beauty.

Away from the Ryder Cup, where he also played in the 1975 defeat, O’Connor achieved four wins on the European Tour, which included seeing off Tony Johnstone in a play-off at the 1992 Dunhill British Masters.

And he was equally successful on the senior circuit, picking up two wins on the Senior PGA Tour and two on the European Seniors Tour, both at the Senior British Open in 1999 and 2000.

O’Connor was reportedly with his wife in Tenerife when he passed away, and leading Irish golfers Shane Lowry and Paul McGinley paid tribute to their fellow countryman.

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

We’ve lost a true Irishman, character and golfer – Christy O Connor jnr RIP

— Paul McGinley (@mcginleygolf) January 6, 2016

Christy O’Connor Jnr :: Your tributes

Where does Christy O’Connor Jnr’s shot at the 1989 Ryder Cup rank as one of the best shots you’ve ever seen? Leave your thoughts and tributes in the ‘Comments’ section below.