Severiano Ballesteros in Memoriam (9 April 1957 – 7 May 2011)

First topic message reminder :

News has broken today that the great "Seve" at 1am today suffered respiritory failure, a sad end to the hardest battle he ever fought but as always he fought with everything he had and never gave up and did it with a smile.

Ballesteros was born in Pedreña, Cantabria, Spain. He learned the game while playing on the beaches near his home, at the time while he was supposed to be in school, mainly using a 3-iron given to him by one of his older brothers. His uncle Ramón Sota was Spanish professional champion four times and finished sixth in The Masters in 1965. Severiano's older brother Manuel finished in the top 100 on the European Tour order of merit every year from 1972 to 1983, and later became Severiano's manager. Brothers Vicente and Baldomero, and nephew Raúl are also professional golfers.

Seve turned professional in March 1974 at the age of 16. In 1976, he burst onto the international scene with a second-place finish in The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. Ballesteros led by two shots after the third round, but a final round 74 saw him tie with Jack Nicklaus, six shots behind the winner Johnny Miller. He went on to win the European Tour Order of Merit (money title) that year, a title that he would win six times, including the next two years, which was a record at that time (since surpassed by Colin Montgomerie)Ballesteros won his first Open Championship in 1979 with a closing 70, a round in which he famously hit his tee shot into a car park on the 16th hole yet still made birdie, possibly one of the most famous shots in Golfs history.

He led the Official World Golf Rankings for a total of 61 weeks from 1986 to 1989. He went on to win five major championships: The Masters in 1980 and 1983, and The Open Championship in 1979, 1984 and 1988. His 1980 Masters win was the first by a European player, and at the time he was the youngest winner of the tournament, at 23 (though this record was broken by Tiger Woods in 1997). His 1979 win at The Open Championship similarly made him the youngest winner of the tournament in the 20th century, and the first golfer from continental Europe to win a major since Frenchman Arnaud Massy won The Open in 1907.

He was also a great at match play; he won the World Match and made the Ryder Cup what it is today, I know of not one player than when they think of the RC matches that some form of Seve magic doesn't spring to mind, none more so than the match in 95 against Lehman in the singles, Leham would've have been thinking this guy can't hit a cows backside from 5 paces on the first tee that day, he missed the first fairway by some 80yards and then holed a miraculous shot over a bunker for a birdie, and even though he would go on to lose the match it was his fighting spirit that day that no doubt gave the team belief the if we don't give up this is our day, and he did indeed lift the crowd to new heights that day, I know this as I was fortunate enough to be there that day and even the US Fans were cheering the great spaniard.

I think he sums his career up himself in a flamboyant kind of way in that his favourite golfing memory was literally tattoo'd onto his forearm, he had the image of himself in his famous pose from is Open victory at St Andrews to remind himself of what it meant to him.

He inspired so many and for me there is no doubt the great man is now giving god himself advice on the short game and asking for a quick 18 matchplay through the pearly gates.

In words fitting for a man born to a cathlotic country Severiano Ballasteros Requiescat in pace

I was lucky enough to see him play live just once - at the inaugural Seve Trophy at Sunningdale. In his singles match against Monty (they captained the respective sides) he found himself on the left-hand side of the fairway on the 17th, behind some trees. In true Seve style, he studied the shot, swung the club and the ball sailed onto the green. When they had walked on (they were the last pairing), I went and looked at where he had played the shot from and to this day I've no idea how he did it! What a player, an inspiration and a gentleman taken from us far too soon.

A lovely tribute, Mav. Thanks very much. You've summed up what we all think.

Not a fan of golf, never really have been but I was always aware of Seve and his impact and influence on the game. Undoubted talent to go with his seemingly permanent smile and his passing is a sad loss not only to golf and Sport but to the World in general.

RIP!

Was a little disappointed that the BBC haven't screened some kind of tribute to Seve yet. Something along the lines of highlights from his glittering career (although that could take hours!!) to his battle with his tumour.

Anyone got an inside information as to whether one is planned??

Humpyd wrote:
Anyone got an inside information as to whether one is planned??

There is an attempt on the European tour to have the Friday of the PGA at Wentworth turned into a Seve tribute day with the players all wearing navy trousers, white shirt and navy jumper (if required) the same as what Seve was wearing when he won the Open at St Andrews. The day will also coincide with the 20th anniversary of him winning the PGA.

I believe there will be a request for spectators to wear the same.

Humpyd wrote:Was a little disappointed that the BBC haven't screened some kind of tribute to Seve yet. Something along the lines of highlights from his glittering career (although that could take hours!!) to his battle with his tumour.

Anyone got an inside information as to whether one is planned??

Most of Seve's obituary was completed by the BBC last year, and shown on the telly. It was a bit of a tribute to the great man and an interview Peter Allis did with him at his home in Spain. It was shown before the start of the Open I believe and maybe used in the sports personality of the year. This is being added to by the beeb and believe a special evenings veiwing on BBC 2 is planned, which will be shown on BBCHD and BBC3/4. Sky are doing something as well as ITV. We've all seen the same clips being used by all the broadcasters this last few days, so expect to see something soon.

Nice tribute - thank you.
I didn't play when Seve was playing, being a late starter, but nonetheless watched lots of golf and Seve was always the stand out player along with the different but equally intense Faldo.
I'm just back from the US and it was interesting to see and hear the many tributes over there, including from people Seve was generally thought to dislike. Great tales from Azinger, Lehman Crenshaw, Nicklaus, Palmer etc. Best story though from Paul Casey. Most memorable moment from the tributes was Faldo breaking down in tears - even when he was obviously prepared for the specific question.
Great player - gone too soon.

ESPN Classics are screening a one hour tribute to Seve at 8pm tonight followed by the 1979 Open highlights after. For all those who have cable or sky, well worth a watch

Here is a letter seve sent to the solhiem cup team despite the fact he was very ill he was always thinking of others. What a confidence boost that must have been.

http://yfrog.com/h0vgaxsj

I never really saw Seve play that much. Only highlight reels and the odd appearance when his game was on the decline. I still knew what his achievements were but never really understood the impact of these achievements until more recent times. I love sport and adore the genius that is ever present in the top top athletes when they are/were at the top of their game. In my generation Zidane is the one who springs to my mind. An artist in his sport. Although I am not of the Seve generation I still have overwhelming appreciation of his genius and artistry. Just as he fell ill I read his autobiography and I almost felt immediately part of his generation of fans such was the way his character jumped out from the pages.

Its strange to say I'll miss him when I really missed most of his playing career, but I will. All I can hope for is people continue to celebrate his life and that his stories continue to be told and provide inspiration for generations to come.

PS I really want a pair of those green trousers now! So I'm always reminded that this game is fun to play, just like the way Seve played it.

Nice interview with Tiger Woods discussing Seve here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/14019852.stm

There's a programme about Seve on Sunday (I think) on BBC which will be a must for any golfing enthusiasts...

Yes, and it's fronted by Gary Lineker!!! Couldn't they have found someone who knows a bit about golf to do it?

LadyPutt wrote:Yes, and it's fronted by Gary Lineker!!! Couldn't they have found someone who knows a bit about golf to do it?

He's not that bad. He is obviously really into his golf and keeps it light hearted enough for people that aren't crazy about golf to enjoy it.

Made me laugh a bit a few years back when he first started working on golf and when he interviewed players like Westwood, Casey, Donald and Poulter etc they were all a bit star struck by him!

just in case you have forgotten, the Seve tribute has just started on BBC1

I'm enjoying the doumentary. Started by golfing on the beach,class!

I loved Monty's comment when Seve was RC captain.
He started of all calm on the Friday saying things like 'just go out and enjoy yourself'.
By Sunday it was 'dont miss any fairways or go into bunkers and whatever you do don't go into the bushes on the 16th'.
BBC at it's best, I thought Ken Brown was superb in his final interview and seeing Sir Nicks reaction at the funeral was not what you would have expected.

I thought the doc was fantastic - Only saw the first 45 minutes, but have the rest taped.

It was great viewing and some of it was quite sad.

Thoroughly enjoyable although obviously sad programme to watch. It got me thinking, am I right to say that there are only four players that can truely claim to be known by just their first name?

Arnie, Jack, Seve and Tiger.

There are plenty of others such as Monty, Ollie etc but they just aren't in the same league.

How about Ernie maybe ?

And Vijay!

Sergio?

Bubba....

I think all those players fall into the second category I mentioned, I wouldn't agree that any of them meet the criteria laid down by the 'Big four'

Depends how you classify what makes a big four really D4S. If you werent a Seve fan for instance you can make a very strong case that he doesnt deserve to be listed with the three other players that you mention.

Diggers wrote:Depends how you classify what makes a big four really D4S. If you werent a Seve fan for instance you can make a very strong case that he doesnt deserve to be listed with the three other players that you mention.

Digs

It would have to be a VERY strong case to convince me. I think those four players have done more to promote golf than anyone else in my lifetime. You could argue that there have been better players (Jones, Hogan etc) but in terms of drawing people into golf, I think they are unsurpassed.

Yeah Seve certainly massively picked up the game in Europe, not sure he would command quite the same position you have given him say in the States though.

That's true because Seve at his peak was up against an ageing Jack and also Watson who was the new hero. But in Europe I think he was unparalled, I don't think even Jack came close?

It kind of get complicated there though as Nicklaus was such a great player, head and shoulders above Seve really, that people around the world would automatically bracket him right at the top of the games legends. Even in Europe he was iconic, everyone knows about the sweater coming off at St Andrews or when he didnt make Jacklin putt out for a half.

Diggers wrote:or when he didnt make Jacklin putt out for a half.

That's an interesting comparison. I don't think Seve's sportsmanship was ever in question but his gamesmanship, well that certainly took on legendary status!

Diggers wrote:It kind of get complicated there though as Nicklaus was such a great player, head and shoulders above Seve really, that people around the world would automatically bracket him right at the top of the games legends. Even in Europe he was iconic, everyone knows about the sweater coming off at St Andrews or when he didnt make Jacklin putt out for a half.

Well aware of the Jacklin putt but what happened with his sweater at St Andrews?

Had to laugh at the bit where he choked on a bit of cake right on Nick Price's backswing.

sharrison01 wrote:

Diggers wrote:It kind of get complicated there though as Nicklaus was such a great player, head and shoulders above Seve really, that people around the world would automatically bracket him right at the top of the games legends. Even in Europe he was iconic, everyone knows about the sweater coming off at St Andrews or when he didnt make Jacklin putt out for a half.

Well aware of the Jacklin putt but what happened with his sweater at St Andrews?

I can't remember the exact circumstances but I think Jack needed a birdie to win or tie so he pulled his jumper off on the 18th tee so that he could give his drive the full can of beens. He made the green, don't know the rest of the story though

Diggers wrote:Bubba....

Dickerson?

Babe.

Hogan, Jones, Trevino, Watson, Sarazen and Player are all up there too. Maybe not 'Big Four' Champions League, but certainly Europa Cup.....