Seve Ballesteros dies aged 54
Legendary Spanish golfer, Seve Ballestros has passed away after a long and painful battle with cancer. A statement on Seve's website says: "The Ballesteros family is very grateful for all the support and gestures of love that have been received since Seve was diagnosed with a brain tumour on 5th October 2008 at Madrid Hospital la Paz.
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Five-time Major winning golfer, Seve Ballesteros has died of cancer at the age of 54. The legendary Spaniard had been fighting a long and painful battle with cancer after being diagnosed with two malignant brain tumours in 2008.
Ballesteros was admitted to hospital in his hometown of Pedrena on Wednesday as his condition deteriorated. With his family by his side, he passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A statement on Seve's website says: "The Ballesteros family is very grateful for all the support and gestures of love that have been received since Seve was diagnosed with a brain tumour on 5th October 2008 at Madrid Hospital la Paz. At this time the family asks for respect and privacy at such a painful time. Thank you very much."
Article continues belowNews of Ballesteros's condition had reached the European Tour, which is currently staging the Spanish Open. Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez, both close friends of Seve, were struggling to contain their emotions. After completing his round on Friday, Olazabal told the media: "I can't talk. I can only wait and cry."
Ballesteros became the first European to win the Masters when he picked up the first of two Green Jackets in 1980. With three Open Championship titles to his name, Seve's achievements on the course make him one of the most successful players of the modern era.
However, it was the style with which he played that carried him into the hearts of golf fans around the world. With a unique imagination and unfettered passion, Seve sparked life into the game at the highest level, inspiring a generation of young sportsmen to choose golf.
Seve pictures: Iconic Seve images
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In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he went on to become a feature writer interviewing many of the biggest names in the game including Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Rory McIlroy and Arnold Palmer.
A 5-handicap golfer, Neil is a club member who takes a keen interest in the health of the game at grassroots level. You’ll often now find him writing about club-related issues such as WHS, membership retention and how best to bridge the gap between the range and the course.