Seve Ballesteros, Dashing Golf Champion, Dies at 54

NYT ^

[Rummyfan]

The first time I ever heard of him, Golf Digest had his picture on the cover with the title, “Can this Teenager Win the Masters?”

He certainly answered that question emphatically!

[Rummyfan]

The first time I ever heard of him, Golf Digest had his picture on the cover with the title, “Can this Teenager Win the Masters?”

He certainly answered that question emphatically!

[cleveland gop]

Thanks for posting this thread!
I credit Seve as the reason why it is I love this game so much. Jack’s ‘86 Masters win shares in that too......
When the news came out from his family on Friday you just knew the end was coming soon. I couldn’t sleep too well Friday night and woke up around 3AM and the news was just starting to break.
Seve brought unbridled passion, superior short game, and a flair that hadn’t been seen much before his career began. Maybe that’s why some American players were uncomfortable with him. But I know everyone respected him and the game.
If anyone caught the coverage on GC yesterday it was difficult not to reach for the Kleenex multiple times, especially when they played the Nick Faldo piece.
It would have been something if Sergio had put himself in position to win in Charlotte but since he backed up yesterday, that isn’t going to happen.
I have a great idea how Seve can be properly honored. He created a Ryder Cup style event in 2000, the Seve Trophy(now the Vivendi Trophy featuring Seve Ballesteros)played in mid-Sept. where teams from Great Britain

[cleveland gop]

1/2 my post didn’t show up.....strange! We’ll let me see where I left off......
The Seve Trophy pits teams from GB

[Baynative]

Since you follow TGC, you probably know that as last year's Masters Champion it was Phil's duty (honor) to arrange the champion's dinner early in the week.

He contacted Ballesteros' about being there and the family told him Seve was not able to travel and that his condition was worsening. Phil picked a menu with a Spanish theme that may have been the same one Seve picked when he was the Champion.

At the dinner Jose Maria Olazabel gave a testimonial to Seve. I think they knew the end was near. Jose and Seve have the best partners record in Ryder Cup history.

Ironically, Seve's passing this weekend occurred during both the Spanish Open and the Madrid Open Tennis Tournament where both events were interrupted for memorial periods of silence.

From the UK Record:
"May 8 2011 Sunday Mail EMOTIONAL Jose Maria Olazabal broke down in tears at the Spanish Open yesterday during a minute's silence in memory of Seve Ballesteros. Officials at the Spanish Open lowered flags to half mast around the El Prat course - while players, caddies and officials sported black ribbons. It was all too much for Seve's countryman Olazabal, a long-time friend of the flamboyant star. The pair formed a unbeatable Ryder Cup partnership and Colin Montgomerie revealed they were like brothers. Olazabal broke away from the rest of the group during the silent tribute at the practice range. He stood alone, tears streaming down his face, before being comforted by fellow Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez."

[cleveland gop]

Let`s try this again, for the 3rd time and a new web browser.....
The Seve Trophy pits teams from Great Britain&Ireland and Continental Europe in a Ryder Cup style format event. They`ve played this thing for the last few years just outside of Paris. Somehow the European Tour needs to work through rhe committments and logistics and play this thing either on Seve`s home course in Paledrnia or a championship course nearby.
I just thought of another great idea. Create a regular tour event to be played again near Seve`s home. Have Jose Maria Olazabal, Miguel Angel Jiminez and Sergio Garcia host it. Play it the week before the Open Championship and have it co sanctioned by all 5 pro golf tours so the top players in the world can show up without it affecting their status on their tour. Can you imagine the field that will eagerly want to play in it. And one last thing, provide a large purse as in the majors, but half of everyones winnings would be donated to cancer research.....

I can`t take credit for this line but it bears repeating. God is waiting for Seve to give him a short game lesson. Also at the gates awaits one William Payne Stewart, with a 3-Iron in hand and Ryder Cup memories to relive!

Just like during the tourney in Spain yesterday there will be a moment of silence/stoppage of play today to honor Seve. In Charlotte and in Shoal Creek, AL where the Champions tour is play will stop at 3:08PM/EDT, just after CBS comes on the air.

Thanks for all the memories, Severiano!

PLAYER, SHOTMAKER, CHAMPION

[Baynative]

"a regular tour event to be played again near Seve`s home. Have Jose Maria Olazabal, Miguel Angel Jiminez and Sergio Garcia host it."

[Texas Eagle]

Fairways and greens!

And the occasional rough, forest and parking lot. All of which he usually made spectacular saves from. The man was a scrambler.

RIP, indeed.

[cleveland gop]

I saw all of that yesterday. Tears were flowing from these eyes quite a bit, especially when JMO and MAJ embraced, Sir Nick recalled his favorite memory and when reading Jason Sobel`s tribute on golfchannel.com. If you guys haven`t read it you need to. Sobel`s genious will rip at the enotions for sure.....

[Baynative]

This from TGC comment thread:

Bob Estes Said on 05/07/2011, at 8:55 PM EST
“In 1994 I had the opportunity to travel to Japan in the fall to play in the Diawa International and the Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters. A reception was held prior to the start of the Diawa to honor the international(non-Japanese) players who had been invited to play. Seve was one of those invited to compete. He also was asked to thank the sponsors on our behalf. He spoke for several minutes--- In JAPANESE!!! It was more impressive than any recovery shot he ever hit! I'll never forget it.”

[poobear]

Thank you for the beautiful ping regarding Seve’s passing.

Yes, I was aware of the menu and the tribute given to Seve at the Masters Dinner. I am sure it was a beautiful yet somewhat somber event. Kudos to Phil and everyone involved for honoring Seve. And yes, they were probably quite aware that this event would be the last Masters Seve would be around for.

What I was not aware until yesterday, Jose Maria’s last visit with Seve was just after the Masters or before, I can’t remember but he stated, “Seve was very ill at the time but his mind was clear and we spoke in great length about our personal times together and the many achievements of both our lives. For that I am grateful.”

During the minute of silence at the Spanish Open I couldn’t help but well up seeing Jose breaking down mourning the loss of his good friend.

RIP Severiano. You were and still are a Great Champion!

[Clint N. Suhks]

I can`t take credit for this line but it bears repeating. God is waiting for Seve to give him a short game lesson. Also at the gates awaits one William Payne Stewart, with a 3-Iron in hand and Ryder Cup memories to relive!

I knew you would rise to the task. Thanks for making it worth the while.

[cleveland gop]

Yeah. The God line was posted by Graeme McDowell on his twitter feed. He heard it from someone else.
The first person in the golf world I thought about Friday was Payne. So that`s where that came from
Why is it the wrong people have to leave us way, way too soon????

[TheOldLady]

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[Clint N. Suhks]

FEAR THE BEARD!

RIP Seve...

[cleveland gop]

Watch the explosion of facial hair take over the tour. I mean couldn’t you imagine Steve Stricker or Zach Johnson with full grown facial growths???

You’re right. I can’t either......

[N8VTXNinWV]

I was lucky enough to see him play in the ‘79 Ryder Cup...and got his autograph. I remember him being so very nice! RIP Seve.

[Timeout]

Vaya con Dios, Seve.

If he hadn’t been a golfer, he could have been a movie star!