Tiger hails Ballesteros as, 'one of the most talented and exciting golfers to ever play the game' as tributes pour in for the departed Spaniard
Tiger hails Ballesteros as, 'one of the most talented and exciting golfers to ever play the game' as tributes pour in for the departed Spaniard
Tiger Woods hailed Seve Ballesteros as "one of the most talented and exciting golfers to ever play the game" as tributes poured in for the Spaniard following his death on Saturday.
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| This photograph of Seve Ballesteros was taken on January 12, 1990. The Spanish golf legend, who underwent surgery for a brain tumour three years ago, died on Saturday at his home in northern Spain.
He lifted five majors in a colourful and pioneering career.
PIC/AFP |
The 54-year-old, who won five majors and was instrumental in growing golf's popularity, passed away this morning due to respiratory failure. The Spaniard had fought a long battle after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008.
"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," Woods said on Twitter.
"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."
Ballesteros was also hailed as a genius, 'the king of European golf' and 'Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus rolled into one'.
A geniusWorld number one Lee Westwood wrote on his Twitter feed: "It's a sad day, lost an inspiration, genius, role model, hero and friend. Seve made European golf what it is today. RIP Seve."
Bernard Gallacher, who captained Ballesteros in three Ryder Cups between 1991 and 1995, said: "Every European Tour player today should thank Seve for what they're playing for. America had Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Seve was our Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus rolled into one. You can't speak too highly of him, Seve was Europe's best ever player." Ballesteros will forever be associated with the Ryder Cup, having helped Europe to lift the trophy in 1985, 1987, 1989 and 1995 before captaining them to another victory at Valderrama two years later.
Ballesteros also delivered an inspirational message to Colin Montgomerie's victorious team at Celtic Manor last year. Montgomerie said: "Never before in our lifetime have we seen such a talent swing a golf club. We've lost one of the great icons of the sport, but may we also celebrate Seve's life.
"I think it's only right at this time - what a character and what a passionate man he was.
Montgomerie added on Sky Sports: "He was our Arnold Palmer, Pele, Muhammad Ali ufffd he was that big a name."
Sir Nick Faldo said on Twitter: "Sad day. I would now call him the Cirque du Soleil of golf. The greatest show
on earth."
