Severiano Ballesteros was born on 9 April 1957 in Pedreña (Cantabria), a small village on the southern shore of the Bay of Santander in the north of Spain.
At the age of 10 he took part in his first caddies tournament. He recorded a score of 51 over the 9 holes, beginning with a 10 on the first hole – a par 3. The following year, he came second with 42. At the age of 12, then playing the full 18 holes, he won the tournament with a score of 79. His made progress at lightening speed – at 13 he was already finishing with 65 – and he picked up everything he saw.
Seve won his first British Open in 1979, becoming the youngest winner of the century.
His next appearance in a major was at the US Masters where, in 1980, he gain amazed everyone. With 9 holes to go he was 10 ahead of the player in second place… Seve holed 23 birdies an eagle. Augusta already had its winner. At 23 he became the second non-American and first European to wear the green jacket. It was really an incredible success. The church bells in his home town rang out in joy, however, in the rest of Spain little interest was roused.
Seve’s fighting spirit was most likely inherited from his father and it has become a characteristic of his in all he does, whether on or off the course. He has fought to dignify the European Toru and this cost him no small upsets such as, for example, not being selected to play in the 1981 Ryder Cup. Despite all, his contribution has been vital in bringing the event to the brink of expectations and making it become one of the most keenly-followed sporting events shown on television.
In 1999, Ballesteros was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
On May 7th 2011 some minutes after two o'clock in the morning Seve Ballesteros passed away at his home in Pedreña with his close family at his bedside.
All over the world countless messages of deep sorrow for the loss of a unique athlete poured in. Great not only for his record but for becoming a role model in golf. A true example of his integrity as a person as well as for being a tireless fighter in all areas of life.
1957 — 2011
date of birth:
4.9.1957
date of death:
5.7.2011
Place of birth:
Pedreña, Cantabria
Occupation:
Professional golfer
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