Rather than gripping golf shafts, Christy O'Connor Junior may be more adept these days at clutching the two crutches that have become his constant companions since suffering a serious leg-break three months ago - but the untimely injury hasn't stemmed his enthusiasm for the sport.
And yesterday, in the grand confines of Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort, O'Connor signed a contract that will see him represent the facility as its touring professional, even though the former Ryder Cup player will probably have to wait until next season before seriously resuming any tour schedule.
Of as much significance, perhaps, is O'Connor's desire to see a seniors' version of the Ryder Cup materialise. In fact, O'Connor has already discussed the project - which, he estimates, would cost approximately £2 million to stage - with former US Ryder Cup captain and current US Seniors' Tour player Dave Stockton, who is due to visit Adare in August to investigate further the possibilities of hosting such an event there.
"I've talked to guys like Dave, (Tom) Kite and (Hale) Irwin about a Seniors Ryder Cup match and they are all enthusiastic about it. There might be a concern that the Americans would simply be too strong for us, but I believe Europe would have a really, really strong team. You have the likes of Des Smyth, Eamonn Darcy and Sam Torrance, who are all close to joining the seniors circuit, and I believe that Adare would be the perfect place to stage such a match. It would be one hell of a match," said O'Connor.
O'Connor acknowledges that some form of payment would be necessary in order to lure the American-based players away from their lucrative tour, while his proposal is that the match take place in alternate years to the actual Ryder Cup matches.
Meanwhile, the player, who suffered his leg injury almost 13 weeks ago will certainly not defend his British Seniors title at Royal County Down at the end of next month and only holds out a slim chance of playing by the tailend of the season.
"Thankfully, I will be getting my card back (on the US Seniors Tour) next season from where I was at when this happened, so I will be getting plenty of tournaments."
