Overview

Severiano “Seve” Ballesteros Sota, born on April 9, 1957, in Pedreña, Spain, was a legendary golfer known for his charismatic style and exceptional talent. Ballesteros was a dominant figure in the sport from the mid-1970s through the mid-1990s. He turned professional in 1974 and quickly made a mark by finishing second at the 1976 Open Championship. Over his illustrious career, Ballesteros won 93 international tournaments, including five major championships: The Open Championship in 1979, 1984, and 1988, and the Masters Tournament in 1980 and 1983. He was particularly renowned for his creativity and flair on the golf course, often playing remarkable recovery shots.

Ballesteros also played a crucial role in the Ryder Cup, representing Europe in nine editions, both as a player and as a captain. He is credited with helping transform the Ryder Cup into a major sporting event, especially noted for his partnership with José María Olazábal, forming one of the most successful pairs in the competition’s history. Ballesteros led the European team to victory as captain in 1997, the first time the Ryder Cup was held in continental Europe.

• Five major championships (3 The Open, 2 Masters)
• 50 European Tour victories
• World Golf Hall of Fame inductee (1999)
• BBC Lifetime Achievement Award (2009)
• Numerous other international accolades