Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros has died after a protracted battle with cancer.
The 54-year-old had health problems since being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008 after losing consciousness at Madrid Airport.
The five-time major winner had four operations to remove the tumour as well as undergoing chemotherapy.
Tennis star Rafael Nadal described Ballesteros as a "reference point" for Spanish athletes.
"He's one of the greats of this country without a doubt," he said.
Ballesteros, who claimed 87 titles over his career, won the Open in 1979, 1984 and 1988 and became the first European to win the Augusta Masters in 1980, repeating the feat in 1983.
He also enjoyed a successful Ryder Cup career as both player and captain - playing in eight Ryder Cups and winning 20 points from 37 matches before guiding Europe to victory over the United States at Valderrama in 1997.
He appeared in public for the first time following the surgery in May 2009 when he went to watch his local football team Racing Santander and was given a standing ovation.
He had called his battle against the tumour the "hardest challenge of my life."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/golf/13311206.stm
RIP Seve
RIP Seve
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
Re: RIP Seve
Definately one of the greats in golf and a very fine gentleman. May his memory inspire others.
I expect to go straight to hell...........at least I won't have to spend time making new friends.
Re: RIP Seve
Seve Ballasteros will be buried in the same grave as his father. He will end his days 1 over par.
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
Re: RIP Seve
Gee Strop, between that one the one about Bin Ladin's new video, you're becoming a regular Schecky Greene...
Re: RIP Seve
Have you seen the one in "Fight, fight, fight.." Jim? 
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
Re: RIP Seve
Oh yes, a real thigh slapper....
No doubt about it, you're ready for Open Mike Night at The Funny Bone....
No doubt about it, you're ready for Open Mike Night at The Funny Bone....
Re: RIP Seve
Thank you, you're too kind..... 
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”