SEVE

Seve Ballesteros is undoubtedly one of golf’s most iconic figures and The R&A is celebrating his incredible life and career with the launch of a dedicated exhibition within The R&A World Golf Museum and the launch of the documentary film, SEVE.

The new Seve exhibition will run for 18 months, including throughout The 150th Open in St Andrews, and visitors will enjoy a unique collection dedicated to his greatest achievements in golf, including winning The Open on three occasions in 1979, 1984 and 1988.

The exhibition includes a selection of images from sports photographer David Cannon, whose portfolio of work on Seve’s colourful career has been published by The R&A in a new book, Seve – His Life Through the Lens. The book and exhibition feature Cannon’s famous shot of Seve’s iconic celebration after holing a putt on the 18th hole at the Old Course in St Andrews in 1984 to win The Open.

Cannon commented: “I built a great relationship with Seve over both our careers. There was never a day when I was photographing Seve that he failed to give me an opportunity to capture a wonderful photograph. In my 40 years photographing golf there has not been another golfer who excited me like Seve did. I have never seen a natural smile like his; that smile and passion for golf and life shines brightly along the walls of the exhibition in almost every photograph of his sadly far too short life.”

Angela Howe, Director of The R&A World Golf Museum, said: “We are delighted to officially open the Seve exhibition and look forward to welcoming visitors over the next 18 months. The new exhibition tells the story of his life and greatest achievements through this wonderful new collection and a selection of iconic images from David Cannon.”

To celebrate the launch of the new exhibition, The R&A hosted a VIP screening of the new film celebrating Seve’s life, held on Wednesday evening at the New Picture House Cinema in St Andrews.

Supported and co-produced by The R&A and directed by David White and Joss Holmes, SEVE tells the story of the three-time Champion Golfer through interviews with members of his inner circle and peers, and never-before-heard audio clips and footage of Ballesteros himself.

As well as capturing the joyous highs of Ballesteros’ career, including his trio of Open wins, two successes at the Masters and his revolutionary impact on the Ryder Cup, the film also examines the tough times the Spaniard faced as he battled injury, a dramatic loss of form and ill health.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “Seve was an inspiration to so many of us in golf and we wanted to celebrate his life and show just how much he meant to the sport. Working with Seve’s family and other key contributors, this landmark documentary chronicles the life and story of this charismatic, flamboyant and inspirational golfer who is without doubt one of the greatest of all time.

“His legacy will be celebrated through the exhibition, book and documentary and The 150th Open at St Andrews will be the ideal chance for fans to reflect on the impact this much-loved character had on the sporting world.”

Two of Seve’s children, Javier and Carmen Ballesteros Botin, were present for the film’s marquee screening at the Home of Golf, which was also attended by dozens of members of The One Club who won a competition to receive invites to the event.

Julie Grace, one of the members of The One Club invited to the screening, said: “Being one of the first to see the film was outstanding. It was so emotional, so moving and the fact that his family were here too was just wonderful, really pleasing. I hope they’re inspired by the warmth we showed at the end, when we were so impressed by the film.

“Whether you’re a golf fan or not, it’s just an inspirational story of a boy who came from nothing and achieved so much.”

Seve passed away at the age of 54 in 2011, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour two years earlier. The Seve Ballesteros Foundation will receive a share of the proceeds from these tributes, donated by The R&A. The Foundation introduces young people to golf, while also helping vital scientific research used for the treatment of brain cancer.

Fans based in Europe can watch the documentary film, SEVE, for free on Rakuten.tv with news on other territories to come.