POSTED: May 8th 2011
InDepth
World golf pays tribute after Ballesteros loses battle with cancer, at 54
KEIR RADNEDGE / Sports Features Communications
LONDON/MADRID: Golf's greatest names were quick to hail Severiano Ballesteros after the death, at 'only' 54, of one of the most powerful personalities and imaginative players in the sport's modern era.
Ballesteros had been diagnosed almost three years ago with a brain tumour after collapsing at Madrid airport. He underwent major surgery four times as well as chemotherapy but his death had been foreshadowed by a family statement this past week about his failing health. He died with his family around him at his home in Pedrena, Cantabria.
The man who first Spain on the international golf map won five majors (the Open Championship in 1979, 1984 and 1988 as well as the Masters in 1980 and 1983); he had 50 wins on the European Tour and 87 in all.
British world No1 Lee Westwood said: "It's a sad day. Lost an inspiration, genius, role model, hero and friend. Seve made European golf what it is today."
Bernard Gallacher, who captained Ballesteros in three Ryder Cup tournaments, described him as Europe's "best-ever player." Gallacher added: "Every European Tour player today should thank Seve for what they're playing for. America had Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer - Seve was our Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus rolled into one."
Tiger Woods said: "He was one of the most talented and exciting golfers to ever play the game. His creativity and inventiveness on the golf course may never be surpassed."
Ballesteros's fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia added: "I am devastated to hear of Seve's passing. He has inspired me so much throughout my career and I admired him above all for his fighting spirit - never more so than in the manner in which he has battled this terrible illness.
"It is the most enormous loss to the world of sport to lose this great man, although he will be remembered and loved forever. He was a champion on the golf course, but also a champion for the game in Spain and Europe."
Billy Foster, Ballesteros's former caddie, praised him as "an absolute gentleman, the ultimate warrior . . . an absolute superstar."
Flags at Real Club de Golf El Prat were flown at half-mast for the day's third round of the Spanish Open. Play was preceded by both a one-minute's silence and a prolonged round of applause.
Colin Montgomerie, for many years a rival as well as Ryder Cup team-mate, said: "It's very emotional, especially seeing Olly - he was in floods of tears A number of players here picked up a club because of Seve. In his 54 years I truly believe there was nobody born with that amount of talent and we were honoured to witness that."
Keywords · Ballesteros · golf
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