Christy O'Connor, Former Ryder Cup Star, Dies at Age 91

Christy O'Connor Sr., an Irish golfing legend who made 10 Ryder Cup appearances, died Saturday. He was 91.

The Press Association (via the Guardian) confirmed the news. The report included a statement from Ryder Cup director Richard Hills, who said: "Today we have lost not only one of the greatest Ryder Cup players the game has even seen, but an incredible man." 

He added: "Christy did so much for the game of golf and his legacy will long live on. After the tragic, sudden death of his nephew, Christy O'Connor Jr., in January, golf has lost two of its greatest men."

European Tour player Paul Lawrie expressed his condolences on social media:

O'Connor won more than 60 tournaments across all levels of competition during a professional career that spanned more than three decades. He registered 10 finishes inside the top 10 at the Open Championship, including a second-place result in 1965.

The Irish Times noted the Galway native, who was affectionately known as "Himself," once explained he never competed in the Masters simply because he "couldn't afford to."

Along with his individual success, he also represented Great Britain and Ireland in numerous team competitions throughout his career. Most notably, he appeared in every Ryder Cup tournament from 1955 through 1973.

That wide-ranging impact led to his induction in the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2009. He became just the second Irishman, joining three-time British Amateur champion Joe Carr, to earn that coveted distinction.