Articles

Seve Ballesteros

1957 – 2011

Saturday 7^th May, a very sad day, as the world learned of the death of Seve Ballesteros.

The wonderful, flamboyant, swashbuckling Spaniard became the hero of every British and European golfer when, 2 years after turning Professional, he burst onto the scene when he led the Open after round 3 and eventually finished tied 2^nd with Jack Nicklaus behind winner Johnny Miller.

That year he won the European Order of Merit title and followed it up the next 2 years for a hat trick of titles, before adding 3 more in his illustrious career.

In 1979 he won his first Open at the age of 22, the youngest winner of the 20^th Century.  He became the Open Champion again in 1984 and 1988.

In America after his 1979 Open win, he became known as the “car park champion” after his incredible recovery from a wayward drive on the 16^th which set up his birdie.  The comment was made that he would never win at Augusta, but he proved them wrong the following year in 1980 by becoming the Masters Champion which he repeated in 1983.

He played in 8 Ryder Cups and scored 22½ points in 37 matches, a fantastic record but the pinnacle of his Ryder Cup achievements came in 1997 when he captained the European side to victory when it was played for the first time in continental Europe at Valderrama Golf Club in his native Spain.

“He was a fighter – feisty, skilful, cheeky and loveable.  When Seve was in a good mood the world was happy.”                       

Peter Alliss  Ex Ryder Cup Player and Golf Commentator.

“Very few people are called legends in this world and Seve was one of them... It was an honour to play under him as our captain in the Ryder Cup and honour to play with him.”       

Colin Montgomerie  Ex Ryder Cup Player and Captain, 8 time European Order of Merit winner.

"Golf has lost a great champion and a great friend. We also lost a great entertainer and ambassador for our sport.  I have always had wonderful respect for Seve's ability, how he played the game, and the flair he brought to the sport.

It was his creativity, his imagination and his desire to compete that made him so popular not only in Europe but throughout American galleries too.

Seve's enthusiasm was just unmatched by anybody I think that ever played the game."

Jack Nicklaus 18 time Major winner.

Rest in Peace, Seve.   You will never be forgotten.