O’Connor is remembered for a two-iron approach at the last during his singles match with America’s Fred Couples at the Belfry in England. 

His shot finished a few feet from the hole, putting pressure on Couples, who failed to get up and down after faltering with his approach.

The Galway player's victory saw Europe maintain their grip on the trophy following a 14-14 tie.

Four years earlier, O'Connor won the Irish Open at Woodbrook which was one of his four triumphs on the European Tour.

That success helped secure a Ryder Cup spot that year, when Great Britain and Ireland lost 21-11 to the United States, but he had to wait 14 years before playing in golf's premier team competition again. 

Having narrowly missed out on automatic selection, O’Connor was a controversial omission from the Ryder Cup team in 1985.

But in 1989, he was selected as a wild card pick by European captain Tony Jacklin, whose decision was justified by O’Connor’s crucial singles win over Couples.

Fellow Irishman Darren Clarke, who is set to captain the European team in their Ryder Cup defence at Hazeltine in Minnesota later this year, led the tributes to his compatriot.

"Christy was a larger than life character, very friendly and always smiling," the 2011 Open champion told the Belfast Telegraph.

"He was very much a mentor to me when I started out on the Tour.

"He showed me the ropes.

"The shot he played in the 1989 Ryder Cup under such pressure was testament to just how good a player he was.

"He was a genuinely good man and will be sadly missed."

O'Connor led the 1985 Open after the first round at Royal St George’s in England, and eventually finished joint-third behind the winner, Sandy Lyle of Scotland, and runner-up, Payne Stewart of the US.

Although a major championship evaded him, O'Connor won two Senior British Open titles and also claimed victories on the Champions Tour in the US.

Irish President Michael D Higgins described O'Connor, who was also renowned for designing courses with more than 30 projects throughout Europe, as an "iconic figure in golf".

"Christy represented his country and its people on the international stage with distinction, dignity and great humour," he said. 

"He will be missed by not only his sporting colleagues, but also by his community, and in particular by his friends.

"We will miss his warm personality, his generosity and his great resilience of spirit."

O’Connor’s legendary uncle Christy O'Connor Snr, who is now 91, played in 10 Ryder Cups.