Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke has led the tributes to the "father" of Irish golf, Christy O'Connor Sr, who has died at the age of 91.
O'Connor Sr, whose nephew and fellow professional golfer Christy O'Connor Jr died suddenly in January, played in 10 consecutive Ryder Cups between 1955 and 1973, a record eventually surpassed by Nick Faldo in 1997.
He won 23 titles on the British and Irish Tour - the precursor to the current European Tour - as well as winning a host of unsanctioned events and recording 10 top-10 finishes in the British Open Championship, finishing as runner-up to Peter Thomson at Royal Birkdale in 1965.
Clarke said in a statement: "It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Christy O'Connor Sr.
"Christy was in many ways the father of Irish golf and his death, so soon after that of his nephew Christy Jr, means that Ireland has lost two Ryder Cup legends in the space of five months.
"Christy Sr was a golf icon and a wonderful person as well. He did so much for the game he graced for many years while the Ryder Cup to some extent is what it is today because of his passion for it.
"Irish golf in particular and golf in general has lost one of its greatest heroes."
Born in Knocknacarra in Coshane lowry Galway, O'Connor Sr was known in the golf world as "Himself" because of the way he embraced life.
Clarke's predecessor as captain, Paul McGinley, wrote on Twitter: "RIP Christy O Connor Snr - an inspiration and trailblazer for Irish success in golf throughout the world #himself."
And Shane Lowry, who is currently competing in the Players Championship in Sawgrass, wrote: "Sad to hear the passing of Christy O'Connor Snr. A legend of the game of golf both in our country and around the world. #RIP."
RIP Christy O Connor Snr - an inspiration and trailblazer for Irish success in golf throughout the world #himself
— Paul McGinley (@mcginleygolf) May 14, 2016
Sad to hear the passing of Christy O'Connor Snr. A legend of the game of golf both in our country and around the world. #RIP
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) May 14, 2016
In 2009 O'Connor Sr became only the second Irishman to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, following Joe Carr two years earlier.
2014 Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley described him as a "trailblazer" who was an inspiration to a generation of Irish golfers.
"When an Irishman goes out onto the world scene becomes so successful as Christy was... it paved the way for Irishmen to believe we can come from our little island and be successful," McGinley told RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport.
"He was the man. He was a character. He a top man, an incredible talent. Among his peers he was regarded as one of the greats and very unfortunate, particularly when it came to the British Open, of not winning it and not being a Major champion.
"Back in his day really the British Open was the only Major he was able to play in. He didn't get invites to play in the US Open and the US PGA and the Masters so if had I'm sure he woul;d have been a multiple Major champion.
"He was very loyal to me, very encouraging to me. He was very much a trailblazer in terms of Irish professional golf. He'll always have a great legacy of being one of the great, great golfers."
