Professional Golfer. O'Connor won 17 times as a professional, including four European Tour titles and played on two Ryder Cup squads. Called 'Junior' because he was the nephew of Hall-of-Fame Irish golfer Christy O'Connor, he turned professional in 1967. He was ranked in the top 100 on the Order of Merit in each of his first twenty-one seasons and would go on to win four European Tour events; Martini International (1975), Carroll's Irish Open (1975), Jersey Open (1989) and the Dunhill British Masters (1992). He played in the Ryder Cup twice, in 1975 in 1989. One of his most memorable moments happened when he hit a clutch shot from 235 yards out on the 18th hole at the 1989 Ryder Cup in a Sunday battle with American Fred Couples, the ball landing within feet of the hole, sealing the victory for the European team. As a senior, he competed on both the European Seniors Tour and the U.S. Champions Tour, and has won two Senior British Open titles and two Champions Tour events. O'Connor, who also designed golf courses, died unexpectedly while on vacation in Spain.
Professional Golfer. O'Connor won 17 times as a professional, including four European Tour titles and played on two Ryder Cup squads. Called 'Junior' because he was the nephew of Hall-of-Fame Irish golfer Christy O'Connor, he turned professional in 1967. He was ranked in the top 100 on the Order of Merit in each of his first twenty-one seasons and would go on to win four European Tour events; Martini International (1975), Carroll's Irish Open (1975), Jersey Open (1989) and the Dunhill British Masters (1992). He played in the Ryder Cup twice, in 1975 in 1989. One of his most memorable moments happened when he hit a clutch shot from 235 yards out on the 18th hole at the 1989 Ryder Cup in a Sunday battle with American Fred Couples, the ball landing within feet of the hole, sealing the victory for the European team. As a senior, he competed on both the European Seniors Tour and the U.S. Champions Tour, and has won two Senior British Open titles and two Champions Tour events. O'Connor, who also designed golf courses, died unexpectedly while on vacation in Spain.
Bio by: Louis du Mort
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