SEVE

You develop your own myths about your heroes. They live wholesome personal lives and are free from conflict and dispute behind the scenes. So reading Seve Ballesteros’ autobiography I was surprised to read of conflicts he had with officials, management companies, other players and his family. Of course this was maybe his personality. A fiery Spaniard whose passion to win was one of his strengths. You could never accuse him of being indifferent on the golf course. So while his talent brought him untold success, it wasn’t always happy behind the scenes. 

But first a few personal recollections. I consider myself fortunate to have seen him play a few times. Both times at Wentworth and both times winning. Once in a play off for the PGA championship, then in the World Matchplay. Although he was arguably past his peak at this time, he still produced the magic. His winning approach on the first playoff hole to beat Montgomerie was a classic Seve shot. And his legendary interactions with the crowd: “Please stand still. I know you’re nervous but I am too”. 

They say you should never meet your heroes. But you met Seve whenever he was on the course. Golf is unlike other spectator sports, as the boundaries between fans and players are often broken down. A stray drive into the crowds gives great interaction. You are only metres away from amazing players. This doesn’t happen in stadium based sports where there are clear boundaries. And as Seve strayed off the fairway much more than others, he had constant interaction. 

Was Seve an unfullfiled talent? He won 5 majors, perhaps could of won more. If his mentality had been more of the ruthless iceman like Tiger Woods or Nick Faldo then maybe. In terms of raw talent and creativity, I don’t think there has been a better player in the last 30 years. His temperament was fiery and this, when harnessed like in the Ryder cups, made him great. But in his book he talks about how the death of his father in 1986 and latterly the transition to fatherhood and married life, both took their toll on his overall performance.

He was always quite inconsistent even in his pomp. The 1979 Open was won by a great recovery from the 16th hole car park. He nearly blew a 10 shot lead and fluffed a last hole chip in his two Masters wins. Famously in the 1987 Ryder Cup he misjudged a last hole putt leaving Olazabal with a tricky return to win. But blessed with possibly the best short game in history, he could always recover from poor shots.  

The light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long. Seve died at the far too young age of 53. The miracle of Medinah at the 2012 Ryder Cup was the final chapter for the ultimate sporting hero.