Thirty years ago this week a young Spaniard by the name of Severiano Ballesteros began an amazing golfing career with his first professional victory in the 1976 Dutch Open at the Kennemer Golf & Country Club. That feat was recognised this week – as The KLM Open returned to the Zandvoort venue – with a series of presentations to the five time Major Champion.
At a special dinner arranged in honour of the 49 year old, Ballesteros was presented with three special awards, starting with a silver salver from European Tour Executive Director George O’Grady.
This was given in recognition of his golfing achievements which include 50 European Tour International Schedule titles, including at least one every year for 17 consecutive years from 1976 to 1992, both achievements currently standing as European Tour records.
Also, as well as winning the Order of Merit six times, he also finished in the top ten every year from 1976 to 1989 and 16 times in total during his career – a record he shares with Bernhard Langer.
Ballesteros was also presented with a framed copy of his 1976 scorecard from the Kennemer club which documented the 13 under par total of 275 which saw him win the tournament by eight shots from
He was also presented with the freedom of the city of
SEVE BALLESTEROS - EUROPEAN TOUR HISTORY
* Turned professional in 1974, aged 17
* His first event was the 1974 at the Spanish Open, where he missed the cut
* His first cheque came in his third event – a tie for fifth in the 1974 Italian Open. He collected £1,200
* Won his first European Tour title at the 1976 Dutch Open in his 27th event, beating Howard Clark by eight shots. Aged 19 and 121 days, he became the second youngest player to win in European Tour history
* His victory in the Dutch Open helped him win The European Tour Order of Merit for the first time in 1976 aged 19 – the youngest player to achieve the feat
* After winning The European Tour Order of Merit in 1976, he retained it in both 1977 and 1978. He went on to win it again in 1986, 1988 and 1991.
* Finished in the top ten of The European Tour Order of Merit every year between 1976-1989 and 16 times during his career – a European Tour record held jointly with Bernhard Langer
* Won 50 European Tour International Schedule titles, eight more than Bernhard Langer, who is next highest
* Won at least one European Tour title for 17 consecutive years between 1976 and 1992 – a European Tour record
* Played in 417 European Tour events and made the cut 310 times, with 168 of those finishing in the top ten
* Was the last player to win three consecutive European Tour events in 1986, at the Irish Open, Monte Carlo Open and Open de France
* Made European Tour history in 1986 by becoming the first player to win six official events in a single season. His victories were: British Masters, Irish Open, Monte Carlo Open, Open de France, Dutch Open and Trophée Lancôme
* Was the first player to reach £1 million, £2 million and £3 million in European Tour Official Career Earnings
