2011 Review

Alex Jenkins turns his attention to the highlights – and a couple of the lowlights – that made professional golf such compelling viewing last year

Hero of the Year

Seve Ballesteros in an iconic photographThe death of Seve Ballesteros in May was by far the saddest day of the golfing year. Ballesteros, who was only 54 at the time of his passing, was arguably the most naturally gifted European player in the history of the game. He won 87 titles – including five majors; three Open Championships and two Masters titles – and was a charismatic Ryder Cupper – both as a player and as a captain.

Never a man to shirk controversy, Ballesteros enjoyed some long- running battles with tournament referees and with officials of both the European and PGA Tours, but it is his amazing ability to recover from the most horrendous position, combined with sheer will to win that will forever be remembered. RIP Seve. You are missed.

Winner: Seve Ballesteros

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Written by Alex Jenkins

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