RIP Christy O’Connor: Watch that magical 2-iron from the 1989 Ryder Cup

Ireland’s Christy O’Connor won four times on the European Tour (his first victory was a tie with Australia’s Ian Stanley at the 1975 Martini Open), finishing three times in the top-10 at The Open Championship and played twice at The Ryder Cup, 14 years apart.

O’Connor represented Great Britain and Ireland at the 1975 Ryder Cup at Royal Lytham, but it was a shot he played at the 1989 Ryder Cup that defined the Irishman’s career. His majestic 2-iron on the 18th hole of The Belfry led to a 1-up win over Fred Couples. The fact that Europe managed to retain the Ryder Cup after the event finished in a 14-14 tie (courtesy of being cup holders) made the victory, and the shot even more memorable.