Hall Of Famer – Seve Ballesteros

Seve is given the credit of being the European Arnold Palmer achieving the same status for his skills on the course and his contributions to European golf.

Severiano Ballesteros was born in Pedrena, Spain in 1957. Is it any wonder Seve became a golfer considering the background of his family his uncle Ramon Sota was one of the best golfers in Europe in the 60’s. His two older brothers were also professional golfers, why go against the grain, Seve also followed his family into the game.

Seve became a professional golfer at the early age of 17 and with disappointment in his first tournament at the Spanish Professionals Championships in 1974 he finished in a far from first finish in 20th place. Two short years later, he is keeping Jack Nicklaus on his toes in The Open Championship at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club.

Taking second place to Johnny Miller Seve and Jack tie with both having six points behind Miller. Ballesteros went on to win the European Tour Order of Merit in 76 for the first time out of six wins.

Seve has 91 professional victories for a career that has led him to the World Golf Hall of Fame. At the time, he was the youngest to win the British Open at the age of 23 making him the youngest in the 20th century to have that title.

Known for his short game Seve dazzled his fans at every turn, turning frowns upside down Ballestero’s short game get’s him out of trouble. Having the natural talent passed down from the family of golfers and years of practice, Seve has turned his short game into his best friend.

The wins can be stack upped like wood for the winter, five major championships winning the Masters in 1980 and 1983. Placing number one in The Open Championship in 1979, 1984 and again in 1988, making it five. First golfer to win the European Tour 50 times, ever.

Seve Ballestero’s gave up the game he loved and retired in 2007 hanging up his clubs only to look back at an outstanding career. Being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008, Seve put up his usual battle that only Seve could muster up. With the outcome not being in Ballesteros favor, he passed away on May 7/2011.

Taking nothing from Seve Ballestero’s he had a lustrous career he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1999 and to this day his story of his great achievements on and off the course will hang among the greats of the game.