Paddy Skerritt, one of the best-loved figures in Irish golf, has died after a long illness. He was 71. A member of a renowned golfing family from Lahinch, County Clare, he was born in 1930, one of nine brothers. Two of them, Austin and Mick, became, like Paddy, successful club professionals.
He had been attached to St Anne's near Dublin since 1963 and his cheerful disposition and his golfing expertise made him highly popular with the members of the club.
His greatest playing performance was in the 1970 Alcan International at Portmarnock when he beat an impressive field in front of his home supporters. A regular on The European Tour from 1967, he produced his best performance in the Open Championship at Carnoustie the following year, when he led the field after 45 holes and eventually finisihed tied 18th behind Gary Player.
He succeeded Christy O’Connor as the PGA Seniors champion in 1978 and regained the title in 1980. Paddy had a host of other titles to his credit, including the Irish Match Play in 1970 and the Irish Professional championship in 1977. He was known as the King of the Links due to his success in Links Pro-Am events, of which he won 18 between 1966 and 1990.
The great Irish amateur, Joe Carr, paid tribute to Paddy by saying: “He was a lovely fellow and a fine golfer with a good, natural swing. We will miss him”.
