Seve Ballesteros announced his retirement today at Carnoustie, the site of this week’s British Open. I’m sure it’s the right decision. Sadly, Seve has no game left and apparently no desire. But it’s still bittersweet to see a great one hang up his cleats.
“This has been the most difficult decision of my life,” Ballesteros told the press.
Here are a few of my random memories of Seve:
*Seeing him in person at the 1983 PGA Championship at Riviera in Los Angeles.
*Watching him hit the ball all over England and Scotland while winning three British Opens.
*After a “Nicklaus” roar in front of him, watching Seve’s chunky iron shot find the water at 15 in the final round of the 1986 Masters.
By the way, Ballesteros turned pro at 16 long before our modern-day teen wonders. That’s 34 years in professional golf. No wonder he’s burned out.
The Armchair Golfer
Unforgettable
Yes, Seve is truly an iconic figure of the past few golfing decades and among the most memorable players of all time. Growing up in the late 70’s and early 80’s, my brother and other partners and I would yell “Seve” whenever we made a spectacular recovery from the woods or adjoining fairway.
At the British Open, I can remember Ballesteros hitting out of the gorse, the wrong fairway — all the places you weren’t supposed to go — and making pars and birdies. You never knew what Seve was going to do, you just knew it would be exciting.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t into golf when Seve was playing his awesome best, if must have been amazing to watch him live.
Ballesteros inspired European golfers. They are now more competitive now than at any time since the sixties.
Seve es un caballero.Gracias.