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Thu Oct 15, 2009 10:50 am EDT

Ballesteros makes appearance, talks of British Open return

By Jay Busbee

Good news from over in Europe, where Seve Ballesteros made an appearance at a Madrid event announcing the field for the upcoming Volvo Match Play Championship. Ballesteros' foundation is the event's official charity, and his appearance just months after brain cancer that has left him partially blind in his left eye was inspirational and touching all at once.

Ballesteros said that his treatment is going well following several operations to remove the malignant tumor in his brain. He looked forward to the match play event, which will include luminaries such as Rory McIlroy, Angel Cabrera and Sergio Garcia.

What's a little more troubling is that Seve is making noises about wanting to play in the British Open in 2010. (If Tom Watson can do it ... ) Seve, alas, already has a bit of a rep for staying around too long; he hasn't made a cut in a major since 1996, despite having played in 15 events in the succeeding 11 years. Assuming Seve actually wants to play a real round, and not just a ceremonial swing, this is ... kind of awkward.

I know, I know, it's his life and his career and if he wants to do it, he should be allowed to. And if he does step up to the first tee at St. Andrews next summer, it's not like I'd turn my back or anything. But if Seve was to play poorly, the overriding emotion wouldn't be pride or nostalgia, it'd be pity. And the last thing a guy like Seve Ballesteros needs is cheap pity. Better to give him a roaring ovation for his achievements than a sympathy round of applause as he salvages double bogey.

But let's leave those discussions for another time. For now, it's great to see Seve back in the mix, and we're looking forward to much more from him in the course of the match play event at the end of the month.

Ballesteros hopeful of British Open return [AP via Yahoo! Sports]

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26 Comments

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  1. 98.6
    1. Posted by 98.6 Thu Oct 15, 2009 1:24 pm EDT

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    I am sure we all can manage his life better than we can manage our own. If he can enjoy doing that, then I can enjoy him doing that. I miss his charisma in much the same way as I miss Arnie being competitive or for that matter, Chi Chi.
  2. victoria f
    2. Posted by victoria f Thu Oct 15, 2009 4:21 pm EDT

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    Seve was the best at one time... He should get a chance to play again. Seve still has ine if the best swings and trouble shots in the biz. Go Seve!
  3. victoria f
    3. Posted by victoria f Thu Oct 15, 2009 4:23 pm EDT

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    The swashbuckling spaniard is back! If he overcame a brain tumor, then he'll probably be able to play some good golf.
  4. thinker
    4. Posted by thinker Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:07 pm EDT

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    Wether or not Seve makes the cut, misses the cut or even wins, is completely besides the point...Jay has part of it right...that of overstaying his welcome by playing badley and getting pity..I don't think this is what is motavting Seve...He was always a gutty/gritty competitor and Just listening to the announcement cements one thing...HE MISSES THE COMPETITION, and now that he has been given a few more years, this is his way of enjoying them...Some men (not to mention who) enjoy fine wine, some great horses, others, beautiful women...Go for it SEVE and give us who remember all the greatness, another chance to remember...STUB
  5. DarylV
    5. Posted by DarylV Thu Oct 15, 2009 6:41 pm EDT

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    Go get Seve... we are all rooting for you. Even if Busbee is a little hesitant.
  6. davidbratley
    6. Posted by davidbratley Thu Oct 15, 2009 6:43 pm EDT

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    I dunno, I think what he said was - I'm not going to go there and think I'll play badly and miss the cut - I think what he was demonstrating was a tremendously positive attitude.
    I'm going to be there next summer and I'd love it if Seve is well enough to play. He will only add to the atmosphere and whoever is lucky enough to get drawn with him... well they'll be very lucky!
    The last time I saw Seve in the flesh was at the Benson & Hedges International at The Oxfordshire, around 10 years ago. I was at the range watching a young amateur called Justin Rose and also Lee Major and Darren Clarke warming up for their rounds. There was a big crowd. It was quite lively and noisy. Then we could hear some shots from the range, the crowd fell silent, the likes of Westwood and Clarke all stopped and watched. It was Seve he'd arrived and was warming up. On that range he hit the purest of shots and his fellow competitors stopped and admired him. He went out with a 4 degree Driver, talk about making it hard for yourself! To this day one of the best round of golf I've seen - he shot 73 I think... but that wasn't the point.
    If he wants to come and play in our Open - he's most welcome and always will be.
  7. billieboy
    7. Posted by billieboy Thu Oct 15, 2009 7:52 pm EDT

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    TO PUT IT BLUNTLY ! ... I HATE TO SPOIL A GOOD SPORT
    BUT HEY ! Come On ! CAN SEVE PLAY A ROUND IN THE OPEN
    NEXT YEAR ! ? Frankly my dear ... NO he can not ! HE has not
    played a round since recuperating ! And he looks SO FRAIL !
    albeit looking healthy for a change BUT DOES HE HAVE THE
    STRENGTH TO PLAY AT LEAST TWO ROUNDS UNDER
    THE GUN , AND STILL MISSES THE CUT ! OH ! MY !
    HE IS NO TOM WATSON !
  8. Kelly M
    8. Posted by Kelly M Thu Oct 15, 2009 8:42 pm EDT

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    I think they should at least let Seve hit some balls on the driving range at next years Open. He deserves that and he also deserves to hit the cerelmonial shot to kick things off as well. For him to play in the Open a full two rounds would be a huge stretch and could end up being downright punishing & embarrassing for viewers to watch. I would really like to see Seve go out on a positive note! He definitely derserves that!! Get well soon Seve!!
  9. BillL
    9. Posted by BillL Thu Oct 15, 2009 9:11 pm EDT

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    And you wait, bucket of pity ready to be thrown like a stunt at a harlem globetrotters game. It is not only the show of defiance from a great competitor. If anyone in pro sports history should come to show perseverence in this exact situation, this man is a good choice. I myself already cheer for him for standing. Ye o lil faith. I bet you a 20 dollar steak he shoots lower than 10 competitors.
  10. BillL
    10. Posted by BillL Thu Oct 15, 2009 9:19 pm EDT

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    ....or perhaps he knows more about his condition than a writer on Yahoo. How many times do you get to walk down those fairways as an established champion?
  11. David C
    11. Posted by David C Thu Oct 15, 2009 9:23 pm EDT

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    Ya know what? The guy is exempt into the event until he's 65... if he wants to play, then give him a tee time. He's earned it.
  12. Thomasb
    12. Posted by Thomasb Thu Oct 15, 2009 11:23 pm EDT

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    so glad Seve is feeling well; to have a brain tumor is a very scary thing;keep showing the courage you have shown,seve
  13. Bruce
    13. Posted by Bruce Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:03 am EDT

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    Knock it off Jay Busbee. The man is trying to overcome something that you'd never understand. Why don't you encourage instead of doubting him? But then again, almost all your articles are negative and discouraging. It's time to see things half full instead of half empty???
  14. Ron H
    14. Posted by Ron H Fri Oct 16, 2009 2:27 am EDT

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    Seve was one of my favorites to watch in the late 70's and the 80's. Then it seemed like he
    lost his game overnight. Golf can be strange. You have guys on the Champions tour who couldn't
    beat anyone when they were younger and now they're great, then you have guys like Curtis Strange,
    Ben Crenshaw, & others who were great in their 30's, who can't win anymore. It doesn't seem to be
    physical, it seems to be a matter of desire and confidence. It would be great to see Seve back and
    playing well again and healthy.
  15. janet m
    15. Posted by janet m Fri Oct 16, 2009 2:35 am EDT

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    Why don't we wait and see how he looks and how strong he is next year. Granted he might want to play but if all he does is take a spot away from a more deserving pro then I am against his playing. Don't forget he is recovering from major brain surgery and looks emaciated in the photo. What we need to know is how his strength and endurance are so he can play and walk several miles each day and if his skills have eroded over the time he has been away from the game.
  16. fandeus
    16. Posted by fandeus Fri Oct 16, 2009 6:15 am EDT

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    It is anatomically impossible for an a$$hole to have a heart. You just proved it. You, Mr. Busbee, just proved it.
  17. J
    17. Posted by J Fri Oct 16, 2009 6:59 am EDT

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    Blah- he had trouble breaking 80 BEFORE the cancer- he'd just be taking the spot of a more-deserving player.
    Part of valor is knowing when to step aside... Busbee does actually have a good point for a change....(!)
  18. Mike
    18. Posted by Mike Fri Oct 16, 2009 7:06 am EDT

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    Seve was one of the most creative players in the history of golf. Whether he can compete now is questionable. However, it is absolutely wonderful news that his treatment has been effective. Other players would certainly welcome his presence , whether it is in a sponsorship role, or in an appearance at an event (not necessarily as a player).
  19. jayg
    19. Posted by jayg Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:53 am EDT

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    Some day busbee you will be an old man with physical ailments...i hope people tell you what to do..think about it..If he wants to play, let him...i must be old fashioned but i remember when it used to be a game.
  20. Wayne M
    20. Posted by Wayne M Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:16 am EDT

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    I say let him play. I have no problem with him having another day in the sun (or wind and rain) at the British Open. They love their past champions and I think his presence would be welcomed.
  21. O boy
    21. Posted by O boy Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:21 am EDT

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    I say let him play. What I wouldn't want to see, if he isn't up to it physically, him embarassing himself. But it's his call.
    Loved watching him in his prime. His fire burned for real.
  22. brianm
    22. Posted by brianm Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:37 am EDT

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    if he played and shot 200 it would be inspiring; life is precious and the guy who shoots for fun is the backbone of this sport. A man who was great, is still great, and to walk on the links again having overcome cancer just to participate is a huge statement no matter what he shoots. Being competitive is not important, being alive is; I hope he goes for it. Arnold is no longer competitive and his pressance on the course does not diminish the game, there is no better ambasador for golf. Golf is a gift we get to play and is for all who can swing a club, Seve has earned his way into the field and i would cheer him.
  23. enviable
    23. Posted by enviable Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:55 am EDT

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    I just cannot imagine that Seve even knows who Busbee much less cares about his opinion. I also have a hard time imagining that Busbee even knew much about Seve and his accomplishments before he was given this blog gig.
  24. Zarela
    24. Posted by Zarela Fri Oct 16, 2009 12:22 pm EDT

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    Seve made a career of never throwing in the towel. He will no doubt attack his disease the same way and I applaud him for it. It is not for us to tell him what to do under the guise of concern for his health; his image; or sympathy for younger golfers who are being displaced. He won his right to tee off many years ago. Seve enjoy.

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