After Monday's induction of our Club President Christy O'Connor Senior into the World Golf Hall of Fame, we received an email from Gerald McCullagh. Gerald is a PGA Professional now based in Minnesota USA. A native of Belfast, he was Assistant golf Professional at Malone, Knock and Rossmore Golf Club in Monaghan. Gerald along with his 4 sisters left Ireland 30 years ago. Gerald is one of Golf magazines Top 100 instructors. We have passed on the good wishes in the email to Christy Senior and below is Gerald's sentiments taken from his weekly blog.

A Great Day For the Irish
This past Monday marked a great day for the Irish: our most recognized golfer over the past 60 years was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame under the veteran's category.

With 43 professional titles in his playing career, his pedigree reads a bit like our own King, Arnold Palmer. He is a hero in Ireland and is known by all as Himself which is a common Irish phrase that shows affection to someone of greatness.

In 1966, I first saw Christy O'Connor play at the Gallaher Ulster Open, which was contested at my home club of Shandon Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

My first impression was his long, free flowing swing and incredible ball striking.

The seventh hole at Shandon Park is a par five with a fairway that curves sharply from left to right. O'Connor hit the most perfect draw off the tee and held the ball up on the
slope on the left-hand side of the fairway. I was amazed to watch his next play; he pulled out his driver and knocked it stiff from a downhill lie. It was the greatest eagle I ever witnessed.

Wristy Christy, as he was known by his peers, had the greatest pair of hands and wrists in the British Isles. Lee Trevino had a wonderful quote, where he said, O'Connor had a swing that flowed like fine wine.

I read an article written by Tom Keogh on Christy O'Connor. At the end of the article, he relayed the story of Christy and his wife.

But the good days were not too far away for Christy and Mary Collins the girl from Tuam, County Galway he married and who has walked the fairways with him ever since they tied the knot on October 12, 1954.

We have no money, said Mary as they walked down the aisle. Don't worry,Christy whispered, I'll win it, and you can mind it.

Gerald's recollection of that greatest eagle gives an insight into the wonderful golf of Christy O Connor Senior and the inspiration that he has been to many.
Gerald's blog can be found at http://tcbmag.blogs.com/tee_up/
He is soon to be married and when he and his new wife visit Ireland, we certainly hope that they pay us a visit.