Genius

The label "genius" is applied all too easily these days - real genius is something different, and special, and doesn't always necessarily apply to somebody who kicks a leather (sorry - synthetic compound) ball or whacks a little white one with a stick for a living.

However, in the case of Severiano Ballesteros, the label is justified - as well as a golfing icon who defined the game for those of us who grew up in the 70's and 80's, his raw talent, charisma and sheer force of will all define him as a genius of his trade. Many golfers are worthy of consideration for the title of "greatness" - Jones, Nicklaus, Hogan, Woods - but to me Seve stands above these as a beacon of something else, particularly as like many geniuses he is flawed in some respects (arrogance and gamesmanship spring to mind).

I don't need to spell out here the details of his condition or the gravity of his situation, nor will I rush to pen a premature obituary. But I wish him a full recovery, and in considering a multitude of special Seve moments, the one that stays with me is from the 1984 Open Championship at St Andrews.

For many, the iconic moment of that championship is Seve's matador flourish as he rams in what turned out to be the winning putt. For me, it's a moment from an earlier round, where Seve contemplates a long approach to the par 5 5th. His ball is perched on a wicked downslope, and the odds don't look good. Seve, though, is undaunted, and flushes a perfect two iron to the heart of the green. As the ball sets off tracer-like towards its target, playing partner Lee Trevino is heard to drawl - "Touch of class, baby... touch of class".....