Tributes to Seve Ballesteros

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SEVE The Movie is released in cinemas on June 27, bringing the life of the master to the big screen – read more here. Here is how some of the key figures from the world of golf remember Seve, and his enormous contribution to the game. 

Jose Maria Olazabal: “I saw Seve last the week after the Masters. His head was clear and we talked about the Ryder Cup. The best tribute we can pay him is to go on playing; but we will never do justice to everything he did for golf and everything he gave us.”

Miguel Angel Jimenez: “He was outstanding for his determination and his passion in everything he did. He never gave up. He always found a way out, and this was reflected in his personality. Being an assistant to him at Valderrama was a truly special week.” 

Tiger Woods: “Seve 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. His short game was that of a genius and his death came much too soon.”  

Phil Mickelson: “He certainly had an impact on the game, but for me the greatest thing about Seve was his flair and his charisma. We were drawn to him because of the way he played the game of golf. You wanted to go and watch him play.” 

Lee Westwood: “I grew up watching him play this flamboyant and swashbuckling style of golf and he was my inspiration and hero. We would not be playing for what we are today without him. He was an icon and what the game owes him is immense.” 

Padraig Harrington: “Seve was the most charismatic and artistic golfer I have ever seen play the game. He helped the tremendous growth of the European Tour during the ’70s and ’80s and inspired all those players who came after him.” 

Sergio Garcia: “It is the most enormous loss to the world of sport to lose this great man, although he will be remembered and loved forever. I was devastated to hear of his passing because he has inspired me so much throughout my career.” 

Ernie Els: “Seve opened up so many doors for Europe’s players by winning all over the world and particularly in America. I modelled so much of my game on his and was fortunate enough to have played with him often. He never backed down from a challenge.”

Paul Casey: “He really blazed the trail for Europeans, not only when he played so brilliantly in the Ryder Cup, but also in how he played at Augusta National in the Masters, and when he won in America. We owe an enormous amount to him.” 

Colin Montgomerie: “There are very few legends in the world, but Seve is undeniably one of them. I never saw such a talent when it came to swinging a golf club, and we may never see it again. He has left us with so many lasting memories.” 

Peter Alliss: “He was wonderful to watch and brought delight and joy to many people. He bloodied a few noses along the way, but that’s what made him what he was. When Seve was in a good mood, the world smiled with him.”

Bernard Gallacher: “Every Tour player today should thank Seve for what they’re playing for. America had Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Seve was our Arnie and Jack rolled into one. You can’t speak too highly of him. He was our best ever player.” 

Billy Foster: “Seve was an absolute gentleman. He was the ultimate warrior; and so professional. Of all the players I’ve ever worked for, no one has had the sort of aura that he had. And his imagination was just amazing. Extraordinary.”

Nick Price: “Most of us could shoot 65 in 30 or 40 different ways; Seve could shoot 65 in 10,000 different ways. He could miss every fairway, chip in five times, hole two bunker shots… All of us who spent time with him are richer for it.”

Mark O’Meara: “At the Champions Dinner this year Jose Maria Olazábal got up and gave an incredible talk about his times with Seve. It was very heartwarming. He had a flair for the game that was quite amazing and that will always be remembered.”

Hale Irwin: “I saw him hit a bunker shot one time from a buried lie and it sounded like he hit it thin. It came out with spin on it and stopped on a dime. I asked him how he did it, but he wouldn’t tell me. He was a fierce competitor.” 

Tom Lehman: “In the 1995 Ryder Cup singles, he hit it all over the map but his short game was just magic. He kept himself in the match which no one else could have done from the places he visited. He shot even par on the front nine. I would have been 9-over!” 

Chubby Chandler: “Seve was golf’s Pied Piper; glamorous women, young kids, everyone followed him around. At his best, he was better than anyone else and was the most charismatic person I have ever met. There will never be another Severiano Ballesteros.”

Mark Calcavecchia: “I don’t think I ever beat the guy. He was the Phil Mickelson of the day. He had the best imagination; the best short game. You never really knew where he was going to hit it. He was awesome; the most charismatic of people.” 

Peter Dawson: “Seve was one of the brightest lights of our game and was an inspiration to millions. His iconic celebration at St Andrews, on the 18th green in 1984, ranks as one of sport’s greatest moments. The game has lost one of the greats.”

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