Severiano Ballesteros Sota, of Spain, died on May 7, 2011 following a valiant battle with cancer diagnosed as a malignant brain tumour in 2008.

A superlative career offered a CV no other European golfer can match with five Major Championships, 50 European Tour wins, 37 other titles worldwide and, of course, a remarkable Ryder Cup record crowned by his winning performance as Captain in 1997 at Club de Golf Valderrama in Spain. That career was cut short at the age of 50 by an arthritic back, but his death at 54 years old sadly brought a premature end to a life which embroidered the game. Had a charismatic presence behind the European revival in The Ryder Cup, winning 20 points from 37 matches against the United States. Played an inspirational role, as Captain, in Europe’s retention of The Ryder Cup at Valderrama in 1997.

Also instrumental in the birth of The Seve Trophy. One of four brothers – all golf professionals – he learned the game at the age of seven, using a cut down three iron on the beach near his home in Santander. Exploded into the limelight in The 1976 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, and went on to capture the Claret Jug on three occasions. Made an emotional return to The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool in 2006 with his son on the bag and 12 months later, at the age of 50 and three months, he announced his retirement from the competitive side of the game on the eve of The Open at Carnoustie.