A bronze statue of golf legend Severiano \”Seve\” Ballesteros has disappeared from his hometown. Authorities are investigating a theft.
A life-sized bronze statue of Spanish golf legend Severiano \”Seve\” Ballesteros, erected in 2009, has vanished from his hometown Pedrena in the Cantabria region, according to the city. Spanish authorities have launched an investigation after the council of the larger municipality Marina de Cudeyo posted on Instagram that the \”unfortunate event\” over the weekend suggests the bronze statue was stolen. The municipal council has asked the public for help in the investigation: \”If anyone has noticed suspicious activity, especially in the last 24 hours, please inform the Guardia Civil or the local police directly.\”
The life-sized bronze statue captures the moment of Ballesteros’ victory at the Open Championship in St Andrews in 1984. Ballesteros was trailing Tom Watson in the final round but managed to turn the game around, winning by two strokes and securing the Claret Jug, thus preventing Watson from winning his third consecutive Open title.
Severiano Ballesteros: One of European Golf’s Greatest Figures
The bronze statue honored the Spaniard Severiano Ballesteros, who contributed to four Ryder Cup victories both as a player and later as captain of the European team. His professional career successes began at 19 when he finished second at the 1976 Open Championship behind Jack Nicklaus. Ballesteros won three Open Championships (1979, 1984, and 1988) and claimed the Masters in 1980 and 1983. He received numerous career awards including Golfer of the Year, was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1999, and named European Player of the Century in