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Five-time major champion Seve Ballesteros has been honoured for his contribution to golf with the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award.

The Spaniard, who is recovering from a brain tumour, was presented with the award at his home by friend and former Ryder Cup team-mate Jose Maria Olazabal.

After turning professional as a 16-year-old in 1974, Ballesteros shot to fame by finishing second at the Open just two years later.

His swashbuckling style and amazing recoveries quickly made him a huge fan’s favourite and it was to their delight that he won his first major at the 1979 Open at Royal Lytham.

He would win the tournament again in 1984 and 1988, following success at the Masters in 1980 and 1983.

After a total of 87 professional wins, and eight Ryder Cup appearances, Ballesteros announced his retirement from golf in 2007.

Since being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008, he has undergone four life-saving operations. Despite losing most of the sight in his left eye the 52-year-old recently indicated that he is planning a farewell appearance for British fans at the Open at St Andrews next year.

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Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

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