The 1982 Irish Open winner and former Ryder Cup golfer John O'Leary has passed away.
Paul McGinley and Sam Torrance were among those to pay tribute to the 70-year-old Dubliner who died after an illness.
O'Leary turned professional in 1971 and after strong performances in 1975, was selected on the Great Britain and Ireland team for Ryder Cup Duty, with O'Leary losing his four matches as The Americans ran out 21-11 winners.
That same year he tasted success on the South African Tour and in 1976 he claimed his first European title at the Greater Manchester Open.
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A career highlight proved to be his second, and final, European title, when he had one shot to spare over Maurice Bembridge to claim the 1982 Carroll's Irish Open, the last home player to win the competition until Padraig Harrington's victory in 2007.
More sad news in the passing of my friend and fellow Irishman 'Jonno ‘ O Leary - always a dedicated follower of fashion and all round great guy - what a year 2020 has been so far starting on Jan 2 with Edinburgh Jimmys passing - be lucky everybody in these uncertain times 🍀 pic.twitter.com/PJXSaJ0FtL
— Paul McGinley (@mcginleygolf) March 26, 2020
"Very sad news just breaking of the passing of Irish Golfer John O'Leary," Paul McGinley posted on Twitter. "Ryder cup player and Carroll’s Irish Open winner at Portmarnock in 1982. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
So sad to hear of the passing of one of my dearest friends and roommate for 10 years on tour RIP my old pal John Oleary pic.twitter.com/VKuBqWJ9H1
— Sam Torrance (@torrancesam) March 26, 2020
