This Golfing Life

Seve Ballesteros: Golf's Maverick Genius Up Close


Listen Later

This special Masters week episode celebrates the extraordinary golfing life of Seve Ballesteros, one of the most charismatic and talented players in golf history. Join us as distinguished guests Robert Green, David Cannon and Mike Clayton share their personal encounters, insights, and iconic moments that define Seve's enduring legacy.

Main Topics

  • Seve's innovative playing style and creative shot-making

  • Key moments from his career including Open wins and Masters triumphs

  • Seve's impact on European golf and the Ryder Cup revolution

  • Personal stories from photographers, journalists, and competitors

  • The enduring charisma and personality that made Seve a beloved figure worldwide

    In this episode:

    • The significance of Seve's 1976 Open run at Royal Birkdale and his rise to international fame

    • Details behind his most famous wins, including the 1979 Open, the 1980 Masters and 1984 Open

    • The story of his near-miss at the 1986 Masters and the emotional impact

    • Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his close relationships with journalists and photographers

    • His memorable final appearances at The Open and how he was loved globally

      Timestamps: 

      00:00 Introduction to this week's guests

      02:44 David Cannon on playing with a young Seve in 1976

      08:00 Car Park Champion: Seve wins his first major, the 1979 Open at Lytham

      11:57 Seve: An elite driver of the ball

      13:25 Why Seve loved Augusta National

      14:26 Seve’s uncle Ramon Sota and his Masters appearances

      15:16 Seve's background and start in golf

      17:02 Seve finds life tough in the US

      18:11 1980: Seve wins the Masters

      19:43 Tuning up in Australia in 1983

      20:42 Seve wins the 1983 Masters

      23:13 Seve miracles at the 1983 Ryder Cup

      27:33 Seve's greatest moment: the 1984 Open at St Andrews

      31:53 Seve's heartbreak at the 1986 Masters

      40:32 1987: a year of lows and highs

      44:21 Getting to know Seve  – personal insights

      48:27 1988: Seve's fifth and final major win

      51:23 A memorable trip to visit Seve at home

      56:20 Seve's miracle shot at Crans in 1993

      59:39 Summing up Seve

      01:01:41 Seve's Open farewell: 2006 at Royal Liverpool


      Resources & Links:

      Sounder Golf

      Dan Davies on Seve

      Seve Ballesteros Official Foundation

      Golf Digest - Seve's Iconic Shots

      1980 Masters - Classic Footage

      1986 Masters Final Round Highlights

      1988 Open: Seve's fifth major (Official Film)

      RNGC on Instagram

      RNGC: Sacred Acre newsletter (Dan Davies)


      Connect with the Guests:

      • Robert Green - Twitter

      • Mike Clayton - Website | Twitter

      • David Cannon - Instagram | Website 

        Celebrating Seve's spirit, talent, and enduring inspiration for golfers around the world.

        Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store

        This Golfing LifeBy Dan Davies