Even golf heroes like Seve could have a sheet day

He had it all – film star looks, a winning smile, God-given talent, a desire for risk taking, the ability to execute shots none of his rivals dared to attempt and unwavering self-belief.

But, above all, he had charisma, so much that it oozed from every pore. I am referring, of course, to one of the greatest golfers of all time, Severiano Ballesteros Sota – or just plain Seve to his admirers.

There was never a need to add a surname when referring to the man who transformed European golf.

Seve was a proud man who did not suffer fools gladly.

Indeed, one icy stare or a handful of well-chosen words designed to make his feelings crystal clear were enough to send many a hardened golf writer scurrying for cover.

One of my favourite Seve stories concerned a brief exchange that took place between the great man and an American journalist.

It was common in the early days of his career for Americans to refer to Seve as “Steve” – something that annoyed him greatly.

“So, tell me a bit about yourself, Steve,” enquired the hapless hack. “My name is Seve,” came the reply.

“Yeah, but seriously, Steve, my readers want to know about you.”

Fixing his inquisitor with a deadly stare, Seve shot back: “My name is S-E-V-E, yours is A******E.”

End of interview.

I’m glad to say that I was never on the end of a Ballesteros broadside – but I feared I would be at Carnoustie in 1995 when I had to approach him for a comment after he’d fired 81 in his first round at the Scottish Open.