World of golf pays tribute to Seve

Those within the game mourn the passing of a legend

Legend mourned: Leading figures from within the game paid tribute to friend and inspiration, Seve Ballesteros

“On a golf course – and in life – he was a phenomenon, iconic even. There has been no one like him in our game. When I played with him and when I was captained by him in the Ryder Cup you felt unbeatable. You became something different almost. He was the most passionate person I have ever met, with such a love for the game.” Colin Montgomerie

“I saw Seve for the last time the Saturday after the Masters. He was not well, but his head was clear. We talked about many things. We had so many common memories, but surely the most cherished moments were at the 1997 Ryder Cup. What impressed me were Seve’s strength, fighting spirit and his great passion. The best tribute we can pay Seve is to go on playing for him – although nothing will do justice to what he did for golf.” Jose Maria Olazabal

 “He was special. He was just such an amazing player, such an amazing person. He was just different, the charisma he had and everything, the way he played, the way he went around it, it was great to watch. You know, it’s a shame that some of the young guys didn’t get to know him more.” Sergio Garcia

“I was deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Seve Ballesteros. I always enjoyed spending time with him at the Champions dinner each year at the Masters. Seve was one of the most talented and exciting golfers to ever play the game. His creativity and inventiveness on the golf course may never be surpassed. His death came much too soon.” Tiger Woods (via Twitter)

“I feel truly honoured to have been able to get to know Seve & call him a friend. To play golf with him & watch & learn from a true genius.” Ian Poulter (via Twitter)

“It’s a sad day. Lost an inspiration, genius, role model, hero and friend. Seve made European golf what it is today. RIP Seve.” Lee Westwood (via Twitter)

“He was an icon in the game and somebody that I looked up to. I copied his swing. Everybody wanted to be as exciting and fun and flashy as Seve. Maybe hit a few more fairways, but everybody wanted that style. They wanted to be aggressive and able to play like that. He was definitely somebody that I grew up idolizing. It makes you realize that no matter how great a player you are, your time will come eventually. He enjoyed his life, and it’s just a sad day, obviously.” Davis Love III

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.

Editor