Tom PowellLEGENDARY golfer Seve Ballesteros’ journey from humble beginnings to the global stage has been portrayed in a new film, released this week.
Seve, a tribute to the Spanish sporting hero who died in 2011, combines archival footage with dramatised reconstructions of the golfer’s tough childhood on the family farm in northern Spain.
It marks 25 years since Ballesteros won his first of five majors at the British Open.
Directed by Britain’s John-Paul Davidson of Boys from Brazil fame, who has also made TV documentaries with Michael Palin and Stephen Fry.
The film charts the golfer’s fight against adversity to become the most spectacular and charismatic competitor in the game’s history.
“Seve had a poor background, he had a good time with his loving parents and was the spoiled little boy in the family but, while there was always food on the table, there was no money,” producer Steve Evans.
“He was up against it and you can see that in his personality as he developed,” he added. “He had this aspect that everyone loved because he had charisma, style, intelligence.
“I think everyone would agree he’s one of the game’s greatest ever improvisers.”
