Seve Ballesteros, a sensational golfing legend passed away recently. He was just 54 years of age. The cause of death was recorded as a brain tumor. Ever since the announcement, tributes have been flowing in from the golfing world and beyond. Lee Westwood referred to him as a “genius, role model” and “friend”. He is to be buried at his home in Pedrena, Spain. During his heyday, the Spanish golfer was able to win five major titles. Prior to his death, Seve Ballesteros had been recovering from surgery to remove a malignant tumor in his brain.
A great contribution to golf
Seve Ballesteros is survived by his wife Carmen and a son named Baldomero. In 2008, he underwent four operations in an effort to fight the tumor. Prior to his death, he received a blessing in the Catholic tradition known as the “Anointing of the Sick” or “Extreme Unction”. Following his surgery, the sports legend had been undergoing a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Seve Ballesteros had retired from professional golf in 2007. Having collapsed at the Madrid Airport, he was consequently diagnosed with the brain tumor that would eventually kill him.
Among his great achievements are 3 Open titles, 2 Masters and a remarkable performance in the Ryder Cup. Europe was able to lift the trophy with his help on five separate occasions in 1985, 1987, 1989, 1995 and 1997. In 1974 Seve Ballesteros had turned to professional golfing when he was just sixteen years of age. In 1976 at Royal Birkdale he came to worldwide attention when he was the runner-up in the Open together with Jack Nicklaus. He won the 1979 Open at Royal Lytham. In addition he was a double Masters’ Champion in 1983 and 1980. During 1984, he won the Claret Jug at St Andrews. Over the course of his career, Seve Ballesteros won 87 tournaments. The brain tumor was not given as the cause of retirement but rather arthritis in the back and knee.
Although a farewell appearance had been planned at the Open in St Andrews during the 2010 season, Seve Ballesteros was too ill to attend. He will be buried on Wednesday at the San Pedro parish church. Close family will be invited to a wake at his formal residence. After cremation, the ashes will be kept with his family. The family has requested for privacy and hopefully the press will not go against their wishes.
A great golfer with a great sense of humor
Even when the cancer was bringing him down, Seve Ballesteros retained his characteristic sense of humor. Well respected in the sporting community, tributes have come in from the world of football and tennis. Rafael Nadal, the current top tennis player in the world has paid a warm tribute to the legend. Prior to his death there were a series of events to celebrate his remarkable career in the sport as well as the warm relationship that he had with fans across the world. Golf will certainly miss him and may his soul rest in peace.
