Nick Faldo has reflected on what it was like to play under Seve Ballesteros’s captaincy during the 1997 Ryder Cup, one of the most memorable tournaments in golf history.
Ballesteros, already a Ryder Cup legend as a player, always seemed destined to take on the role of captain.
His appointment for the 1997 event came as no surprise, especially with the tournament taking place at Valderrama Golf Club in Spain.
And Faldo has recently given some insight into what Ballesteros was like in that leadership role, one many felt he was naturally suited for.
Nick Faldo shares humorous Seve Ballesteros anecdote from 1997 Ryder Cup
Seve Ballesteros earned 22.5 points over eight Ryder Cup appearances, cementing his place as one of Europe’s top performers.
Even today, his impact still resonates with the current European side, who often look back on his contributions for motivation.
And as a captain, there is no doubt he brought that same drive to succeed as he did during his playing days.
Nick Faldo once shared an amusing tale highlighting just how passionate Ballesteros was during the 1997 event.
“He was ludicrous. Seve was great. My story is that we all arrived at Valderrama, and we all sat down at the table in the clubhouse.
“He had melon and ham out for us, and Seve said: ‘You know Nick, I just want you all to relax and enjoy yourself. If you play good, it’s okay. If you play bad, it’s no problem. Just enjoy yourself. Have some more ham.’
“On Saturday night, ‘We have to win! Don’t three-putt, don’t hit it in a bunker, and don’t hit it in the tree right at 16.’ I was like, ‘What the hell are we picturing?’”
Sir Nick Faldo reflects on the ‘unbelievable’ 1997 Ryder Cup
Europe’s narrow 14.5-13.5 win was not the only storyline from the 1997 Ryder Cup – the weather also played a big part.
While Spain is usually known for its sunny skies, heavy rain hit Valderrama and threw the schedule into chaos.
With players stuck indoors, Ballesteros had more time to put his unique leadership style to use.
“It was the second or third wettest day in Spain. It chucked it down. We were in the team room at six in the morning. We sat there until midday. We played until dark.
“We were eating and having our legs massaged at the same time. You went to bed at 11 pm and got back in the team room at 6 am. We sat there in the rain again and did it all again. It was an unbelievable week.
“Seve was all over the show. You know those silly panpipes where they take a famous song and turn it into [music]. So we’ve got this big CD of panpipes to calm us all down. ‘Get him out of the locker room.’
“As soon as he left, Billy Foster put on ‘Simply The Best’, giving it all that. Seve was doing one thing, and we were trying to do the other. But it was good fun,” Faldo related.
- READ MORE: Why Bill Murray ‘didn’t want’ to play golf with Michael Jordan and Larry Bird on Space Jam set
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
