Paddy Power

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s my top-10 list of Irish golfers from the Republic

10. John O’Leary, Dublin: Turned professional in 1970; two European Tour wins, including 1982 Irish Open; last Irishman to win it until Padraig Harrington in 2007.

9. Philip Walton, Dublin: Turned professional in 1983; three European Tour wins and four Irish PGA’s; attended Oklahoma State and won crucial Singles Match against Jay Haas at 1995 Ryder Cup.

8. Eamonn Darcy, County Wicklow: Turned professional in 1968; four European Tour wins and two Irish PGA’s; member of four Ryder Cup teams from 1975-87.

7. Christy O’Connor Jr., Galway: Turned professional in 1967; four European Tour wins, three Irish Match Play Championships, two Senior British Opens and two Champions Tour events; member of two Ryder Cup teams and nephew of legendary namesake below.

6. Des Smyth, County Louth: Turned professional in 1974; eight European Tour wins and six Irish PGA’s; member of two Ryder Cup teams; oldest man to ever win on European Tour at age 48 in 2001 before going on to win two Champions Tour events.

5. Paul McGinley, Dublin: Turned professional in 1991; four European Tour wins and four Irish PGA’s; member of three victorious Ryder Cup teams, holing winning putt for Euros in 2002.

4. Harry Bradshaw, County Wicklow: Turned professional in 1940; won 10 Irish PGA's and two Irish Opens; member of three Ryder Cup teams and lost in a playoff to Bobby Locke at the 1949 Open Championship.

3. Christy O’Connor Sr., Galway: Turned professional in 1946; 25 wins on the British Tour (the precursor to the European Tour); won 10 Irish PGA’s, the last in 1978 when he was 53; played every Ryder Cup from 1955-73 and last year became only the second Irishman to enter the World Golf Hall of Fame.

2. Joe Carr, Dublin: Career amateur who won three British Amateurs and was a member of a record 11 Walker Cup teams; first Irishman to play in the Masters (’67), first Irishman to become Captain of the R&A (’91) and first Irishman inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame (’07).

1. Padraig Harrington, Dublin: 14 wins on the European Tour and five on the PGA Tour, including three major championships; became first Irishman from the Republic to win the Open Championship in 2007; won six Irish PGA's and has been a member of five Ryder Cup teams; most importantly, he's the only one named “Paddy.”

Comments

[Seamus O'Riordan]

'Tis a grand list indeed. Fine job.

[LC Lambrecht]

Eddie Hackett.....golf pro, architect and inspiration for everything we love about golf in Ireland.

[Tom Cunneff]

Eddie's a legend, no doubt, L.C., but the list is focused on important victories. Maybe I need a separate list of 'most influential Irish golfers,' which would also include Pat Ruddy, of course.
Tom.