Spain’s golf legend Seve Ballesteros passes away
Spain’s golf legend, Seve Ballesteros, who was severely hit by a burgeoning brain tumor, passed away on Saturday morning at his home in northern Spanish town of Pedrena, 2.10 am Spanish time.
The five-time major winner had his brain tumour operated in 2008 and later undertook the chemotherapy sessions and was recuperating from the disease since then. His official website www.seveballesteros.com confirmed his death where his family was continuously
updating Ballesteros condition for a few days.
The following message was posted on the website, “The Ballesteros family is very grateful for all the support and gestures of love that have been received. At this time the family asks for respect and privacy at such a painful time. Thank you very much”.
Earlier, the family has reported that Ballesteros’ condition had severely deteriorated which made players from both sides of the Atlantic aggrieved and concerned.
Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez were visibly upset with the news and hardly were able to talk to the media after their round in Open De Espana. The three golfers have come a long way in their relationships as Olazabal and Ballesteros together
made the infamous Spanish Armada in the Ryders Cup and had suffered only two losses. Jimenez played under Ballesteros captaincy in 1997 Ryders Cup and came out victorious.
Ballesteros was the first player to record 50 wins on the European Tour, had won nine times on the PGA Tour, and six times on the Japan Golf Tour. He won the Masters in 1980 and 1983 and The Open Championship three times in 1979, 1984, and 1988. He won his
fifth major title at the PGA Championship in 1984.
Born on April the 9th, 1957 in Pedrena, Cantabria Spain, Ballesteros struck an early liking for the sport and was supported by his uncle Ramon Sota, who was a professional golfer and finished sixth in the Masters in 1965.
Ballesteros turned professional in 1974 when he was just 16 years old. He stunned the professional players when he finished second at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.
Ballesteros retired in 2007 after his impending and continuously worsening back pain. He fainted at the Madrid International Airport when he was waiting to board a flight for Germany on 6th October, 2008. He was later diagnosed with brain tumour.
Rafael Nadal, the famous Tennis star, often lauded Ballesteros’ contribution for the sport in Spain.
“One of the greats of this country without a doubt, a reference point for all Spanish athletes,” Said Nadal.
Ballesteros’ funeral proceedings are yet to be announced by his family.
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