Spanish golf legend Severiano Ballesteros, one of golf's all-time greats who lifted five majors and turned a new generation on to the sport, died Saturday aged 54. "Seve Ballesteros died at 2:10 am, surrounded by his family, in his home in Pedrena" in north-western Spain, following "respiratory failure," his family said in a statement.
"The family appreciates all the expressions of support and affection they have received since Seve was admitted on October 5, 2008 at the Hospital Universitario La Paz in Madrid. "At the same time, please respect our privacy at such a painful time. Thank you very much."
Ballesteros was a charismatic figure who led the European challenge to the decades-long supremacy of the United States From the mid-1970s to the 1990s, "Seve" was one of the sport's most celebrated personalities, collecting 87 career titles before retiring in 2007 with back problems.
Known for his flamboyant and imaginative style of play, he famously won one of his three British Open titles by playing a shot from a temporary parking lot. El Pais led tributes to Ballesteros, calling him the "brightest star" and a "unique genius". "The memory of his feats still blinds," the leading Spanish daily said on its website. Tennis world number one Rafael Nadal, Ballesteros' compatriot, said Friday on learning of his deteriorating condition: "Seve is great, a model for all Spanish athletes who had the good fortune to meet him and play golf with him."
The news cast a pall over the Spanish Open under way in Barcelona, with second-placed Pablo Larrazabal saying Friday: "His fight these last years has been an inspiration for us all... He was really spectacular, never giving up, hitting his driver and chasing the ball into the hole from everywhere." The European Tour's official website said Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez, contemporaries of Ballesteros, were in tears over the news.
George O'Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: "This is such a very sad day for all who love golf. "Seve's unique legacy must be the inspiration he has given to so many to watch, support, and play golf, and finally to fight a cruel illness with equal flair, passion, and fierce determination. "We have all been so blessed to live in his era. He was the inspiration behind The European Tour." Ballesteros was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour after losing consciousness at Madrid airport on October 6, 2008.
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