Seve Ballesteros statue stolen from hometown

A life-size statue of golf legend Seve Ballesteros was stolen from his hometown of Pedreña, Spain, prompting an investigation by local authorities. The statue, created in 2009, honors Ballesteros’ 1984 Open Championship victory and serves as a tribute to his impact on golf before his death from brain cancer in 2011. Ballesteros played a significant role in transforming the Ryder Cup by including all of Europe starting in 1979, influencing future generations of players. His legacy continues to resonate, as highlighted by Rory McIlroy’s reflections on a conference call with Ballesteros in 2010 that deepened his appreciation for the event.

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