Tragedy drives O'Connor on

Ryder Cup hero Christy O'Connor Jnr is enjoying a renaissance at the age of 50. His tearful victory at the Senior British Open on Sunday follows a string of outstanding performances over recent weeks.

The affable Irishman is back playing some of the best golf of his life and earning more money than ever before.

But he is taking none of the credit for his dramatic return to form. Instead, the man who helped retain the Ryder Cup for Europe in 1989 identifies the key role played by the spiritual influence of his late son Darren.

The 17-year-old was driving O'Connor's BMW when he was one of three people to die in an accident close to the family home in Galway last September.

O'Connor, who also won the State Farm Senior Classic in America earlier this month, is convinced Darren's presence has helped him and his family through a terrible 10 months.

His wife Ann, son Nigel and daughter Ann were all at O'Connor's side at Royal Portrush on Sunday to celebrate his emotional victory. But it was Darren they were thinking of.

"I believe he is helping me," O'Connor said. "He has given us great strength. My son and daughter have both got their degrees under a very tough situation and I believe they have been helped too. I don't believe I would have had the strength to win these tournaments without him. So maybe he is not that far away from us. Part of this championship is his.

"I've used up all Darren's good luck. I've been praying to him so hard, and I feel he is with me today. He gives me fantastic strength."

The victory, due to a closing 69, was very much a family affair for the Irishman.

"The last time we were a family together was when I won the Kenyan Open in 1990. There were all five of us that time. I am short of one now unfortunately. This is the first time we have been together at a win since our tragedy and we are very happy," said O'Connor, who won £63,300.

In just nine events this year on the Seniors Tours in Europe and America O'Connor has already earned £320,000, more than in any of his previous 32 years as a professional golfer.

It compares with figures like £3,800 for 1996, £22,000 for 1997 and £35,000 last year.

O'Connor, who finished third at the Open in 1985, is best remembered for the spectacular two iron he hit to the 18th green against Fred Couples in the singles during the 1989 Ryder Cup match at The Belfry. The majestic shot over the water landed within four feet, forced Couples to concede and helped Europe retain the trophy.

O'Connor however will not be returning to the scene next month, 10 years on from his famous shot. Instead of playing in The Belfry PGA Seniors Championship, O'Connor will be heading to the States to make sure he secures his Seniors card there for next season.

O'Connor himself cheated death in 1992 when he survived a helicopter crash, then nearly quit the game in 1995 after a muscle-wasting disease threatened his life.

After all the sadness in his life, no one would begrudge O'Connor a little joy now.

Express