O’Connor senior honoured

THE legendary Christy O’Connor senior was honoured at the 12th Annual Ireland Golf Tour Operators Association awards this week.

O’Connor, who will be inducted in the ‘World Golf Hall of Fame’ next month, was unable to attend with Sports Minister Martin Cullen collecting the award.

The Minister said: “I’m delighted and honoured to accept the Jerry Donworth outstanding contribution to golf award on behalf of Christy O’Connor senior and his wife Mary from Mrs Bina Donworth. Christy O’Connor senior is a legend of Irish golf and his achievements during a career that spanned four decades were a forerunner for the success our golfers are having today.

“I am delighted that Christy has been selected to the World Golf Hall of Fame and will become the second Irishman to enter the Hall of Fame, behind the late Joe Carr.”

The best in Irish golf also received accolades with winners in the hotel, golf course and golf resort categories. The golf course of the year award went to the Old Head of Kinsale while Adare Manor was named golf resort of 2009.

Randles Hotels, Killarney collected the large hotel of the year title while The Ice House, Ballina in Mayo took the small golf hotel prize. Denis Kane, (Druids Glen) was named best golf manager.

The IGTOA has over 15 Irish-based golf tour operator members and over 250 IGTOA Industry Partners, who all form the many facets of the Irish golf tourism sector.