After fighting a long battle with cancer, first diagnosed in 2008, prominent golfer Seve Ballesteros has died.
The news of his death at the age of 54, ultimately caused by respiratory failure yesterday, has seen a barrage of tributes for the man who won five majors during his career.
Those to pay their respects included Tiger Woods, Colin Montgomerie and current world number one Lee Westwood.
On an update to his twitter page, Westwood wrote:
“It’s a sad day, lost an inspiration, genius, role model, hero and friend. Seve made European golf what it is today. RIP Seve.”
His battle with ill-health began in October 2008 when he fainted at Madrid airport, prompting tests which revealed a brain tumour. He shrank from the public arena after early 2010, appearing only to deliver speeches connected to the foundation he established to fight cancer.
His death occurred during the Spanish Open, where a moment of silence was held in order to mark his passing.
