Spanish · Pedreña, Spain · Born 9 April 1957Spanish professional golfer widely regarded as one of the greatest and most charismatic players in golf history, known for his creativity and shot-making abilit
Severiano Ballesteros Sota was born in Pedreña, Cantabria, Spain in 1957. He won five major championships and 90 professional tour victories. His combination of creative shot-making — famous car-park shots at Royal Lytham in 1979 — with the most natural putting touch in golf history made him the sport's most exciting champion. He was the driving force of European Ryder Cup success in the 1980s — captain of the 1997 Ryder Cup winning team. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008 and died in 2011 aged 54. His death prompted universal tributes across European sport, reflecting an affection for him that exceeded any other golfer.
Imaginative short game and Ryder Cup heroics
How They Played
Creative, aggressive, exceptional scrambling ability
Lasting Impact
Transformed European golf and inspired generation of players
Career Honours
- Masters 2x (1980,1983)
- The Open 3x (1979,1984,1988)
- Ryder Cup legend
Spanish Athletes