Lowry, McGinley and Poulter lead the golfing tributes to the late Christy O'Connor Jnr

Updated 18.30pm

TRIBUTES HAVE POURED in from golf stars to Christy O’Connor Jnr, after the news that the former golfer died suddenly today.

The Ryder Cup hero was just 67.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry described O’Connor as ‘an absolute legend’ while Paul McGinley also hailed the Galway native.

Amongst O’Connor’s course designs is Lowry’s home golf course Esker Hills in Offaly.

Very sad news today about Christy O'Connor Jnr. An absolute legend of Irish golf. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) January 6, 2016

Shane Lowry / Twitter

We've lost a true Irishman, character and golfer - Christy O Connor jnr RIP
— Paul McGinley (@mcginleygolf) January 6, 2016

Paul McGinley / Twitter

Terribly sad to hear of Christy Jnr's passing.He leaves me and so many with great memories both on and off the course. RIP Christy #legend
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) January 6, 2016

Padraig Harrington / Twitter

Very saddened by the tragic news today about the passing of Christy O'Connor Jnr. He always had a smile for everybody! RIP #rydercuplegend
— Darren Clarke (@DarrenClarke60) January 6, 2016

Darren Clarke / Twitter

O’Connor’s influence on golf was not just restricted to Ireland with several other tributes paid by international golfers to the two-time Ryder Cup player.

Sam Torrance (Scotland)

So sorry to hear of the passing of my old mate Christy O'Connor Jnr, legend on and off the course RIP pic.twitter.com/Pn0TfYSZju
— Sam Torrance (@torrancesam) January 6, 2016

Sam Torrance / Twitter

Ian Poulter (England)

Very sad news this morning.
RIP Christy O'Connor Jnr
🇮🇪🏆 pic.twitter.com/KFNrqfS3WO
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) January 6, 2016

Ian Poulter / Twitter

Tony Johnstone (Zimbabwe)

Sad to hear of the passing of Christy O'Connor Jnr. He was always entertaining,great company and had time for everyone.A credit to golf. RIP
— Tony Johnstone (@TonyJohnstone56) January 6, 2016

Tony Johnstone / Twitter

Justin Rose (England)

Very sad news this morning... #RIPChristy #TwoIron #Belfry #RyderCup #TrueGent https://t.co/6zTQk0eqEt
— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) January 6, 2016

Justin Rose / Twitter

Paul Lawrie (Scotland)

Very sad to hear the news of Christy O'connor jnr passing pic.twitter.com/SxARUNGFL2
— Paul Lawrie (@PaulLawriegolf) January 6, 2016

Paul Lawrie / Twitter

Here’s a reminder of that famous shot in the Ryder Cup at the Belfry in 1989.

Mack Bejam / YouTube

Lowry, McGinley and Poulter lead the golfing tributes to the late Christy O'Connor Jnr

Irish golf legend Christy O’Connor Jnr dies aged 67