Christy O'Connor Jnr was recovering in hospital yesterday after a freak accident which will put him out of golf for at least six months.
The reigning Senior British Open champion, sustained a double-fracture of his left leg at his home in Clarinbridge, Galway on Thursday.
When the accident occurred, O'Connor was preparing to travel to Belfast that evening with his wife Ann, so as to appear on the Gerry Kelly television show on UTV last night. "I bought him a Harley Davidson motorbike for his birthday and he was cleaning it when it fell over on his leg," said Ann O'Connor last night. Ms O'Connor went on to explain that she and her husband, who also have a home in Dublin, went down to Clarinbridge for a meeting with certain people. While they were there, the accident occurred.
He was taken to Merlin Park Hospital in Galway where he underwent surgery yesterday. "It was a difficult operation but everything went well," she said. "All we can hope now is that he makes a speedy recovery."
The O'Connor family went through a devastating tragedy in September 1998 when the golfer's son Darren was killed in a motor accident. And by way of attempting to cope with the loss, Christy Jnr earned exemption on to the Senior Tour in the US where he performed brilliantly, winning two tournaments - the State Farm Classic and the Foremost Insurance Championship - during the 1999 season.
But the high point came in the Senior British Open at Royal Portrush in July 1999, when he dedicated his victory to his deceased son. And with his older son, Nigel, caddying for him, he retained the title at Royal Co Down last year. Now, his chance of completing a unique hat-trick of triumphs has been shattered.
Almost as disappointing for him will be missing the British Open at Royal Lytham on July 19th to 22nd, where, like last year, his exemption comes as a bonus for being the Senior Open champion.
Apart from his tournament activities, O'Connor is deeply involved in golf-course design and among his outstanding creations are Galway Bay, Mount Wolseley and the new 18 at Headfort. But he has done so well in senior competitive ranks since turning 50 in August 1998, that he was ready to return to the US Tour in a few weeks' time with a view to completing his third season there.
In the longer term, however, he had indicated his intention to retire from regular competitive action at the end of this year. Now, that decision may have to be brought forward.
O'Connor had four victories on the regular European Tour, culminating in the British Masters at Woburn in 1992 when he beat Tony Johnstone in a playoff for the title. Yet he is probably best remembered internationally for the glorious two-iron shot of 229 yards which he hit to the 18th at The Belfry in the 1989 Ryder Cup, to secure a stunning, singles win over Fred Couples.
Eddie Polland shot a second round 70 to lead the Irish challenge at the European Seniors Royal Westmoreland Open in Barbados yesterday.
Polland is on a one over par score of 145 but is a considerable distance behind tournament leader, 52-year-old Brazilian, Priscillo Diniz, who added a five under par round of 67 to his opening 64, to head the field by eight shots on 131.
Co Louth's Paddy McGuirk lies a shot behind Polland, with former Irish amateur champion Ray Kane three shots further back on 149.
