Seve Ballesteros: Golf
Severiano “Seve” Ballesteros Sota (April 9, 1957 – May 7, 2011) was a golf legend from Spain who won five championships. His flamboyant style made his tournament victories in Europe and the U.S. memorable. Ballesteros is a member of a gifted golfing family. It was in 1976 when he gained attention in the golfing world, when he was only 19, finishing second at The Open. Seve Ballesteros was a World No. 1, golf’s leading figure during the mid 70s until the mid 90s.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Seve Ballesteros won a record of 50 European Titles. He won at least one European Tour title for 17 straight years between 1976 and 1992. He won 9 PGA Tours, 2 Masters and 3 British Opens. Ballesteros is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, became European Player of the Year and Spanish Sportsman of the Century in 2000. He became European Tour Player of the Year in 1985, 1988 and 1991. He became a member of the Europe Ryder Cup team for 8 years and became the captain of the European team in the 1997 Ryder Cup.
Why Was He So Good?
Seve Ballesteros’ originality, imagination and creativity on the golf course made him a golf legend.
What You May Not Know
- Seve is the younger brother of Baldomero, Manuel and Vicente who were golf professionals. His uncle was Ramon Sota.
- One of Seve Ballesteros’ most creative shots didn’t come on the course but on a parking lot where the ball landed but managed to turn it into a birdie.
- During the 2012 Ryder Cup, the first to be played after his death, the European team wore navy blue on the last day of a tournament instead of their usual navy blue and white garments.
- In April 2015, the airport in his homeland Cantabria changed the name from Santander Airport to Seve Ballesteros – Santander Airport. It was to honor the golf legend for being one of the most universal Cantabrians and example and was an excellent example in sports and life.
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Related Pages
- More legendary Golf players
- Athlete Database home
- About the sport of Golf
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