Seve voted all-time best European Ryder Cup skipper

Newport: Seve Ballesteros has been chosen as the best European Ryder Cup captain of all-time in a survey of British golf fans.

The charismatic Spaniard polled 29 percent of the vote for the inspirational way he led Europe to victory over the United States at Valderrama in 1997, according to research conducted by the Ryder Cup Madrid 2018 bid. Britain’s Tony Jacklin, who lost only once in four matches as skipper between 1983-89, was second on 24 percent. Ballesteros, who competed in the biennial team competition eight times, was also selected as the most popular European player. He won 32 percent of that vote, ahead of Britain’s Nick Faldo (25 percent). “It is extremely humbling for me to see the support I have from golf fans,” said Ballesteros in a news release. “I have always felt great support in the UK and every time I am there it’s like being at home.“The Ryder Cup is one of the greatest sporting events and will always hold a special place in my heart,” added the 53-year-old who has had four debilitating operations since being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008. The 38th Ryder Cup begins at Celtic Manor on Friday. Bureau Report