CHICAGO, Illinois: Seve Ballesteros may have died in May 2011, but his memory will be present all the way with Europe’s Ryder Cup team when they defend the trophy against the United States here this week.
In a homage to the Spanish great, the white bags of the European players will carry high-up on their front the silhouette of an iconic image of him taken when he sunk the winning putt to win the British Open at St Andrews in 1984.
That occasion, “El Momento” as Ballesteros referred to it, was “the happiest moment of my whole sporting life” he said, and the image in silhouette was what he adopted as his business logo. He also had it tatooed on his left forearm.
Many players thought it should also become the symbol of the European Tour after his death following a long battle with cancer. European Captain Jose María Olazabal revealed the special tribute to Ballesteros.
“We felt that this was one way that Seve could be with us every step of the way. This is the first match since he sadly passed away and a fitting tribute to a true champion and a great friend,” he said. AFP
