The R&A and European Tour supported book, Seve: His Life through the Lens, has been compiled by Getty Images award-winning photographer David Cannon, doyen of golf photographers and long-time admirer and friend of the colourful Spaniard and former world No.1, who died aged 54 on 7 May 2011.
The book opens with a moving letter written by Seve’s eldest son Javier and on behalf of his brother Miguel and sister Carmencita. The Ballesteros family have also generously supplied a number of previously unpublished ‘family portraits’ of them with their father.
Published by Vision Sports Publishing, the award-winning specialist publisher, Seve: His Life through the Lens, retails at a RRP of £35 per copy, or a Collectors’ boxed version which is only available through the website below at £95.
This special limited run edition of just 1,000 sets includes a numbered art print of the front cover image of Seve winning The Open at St Andrews, signed by Cannon.
“This book would not have been possible without the support of many incredible people,” said Cannon. “Seve was a true global icon and I’ve seen him and photographed him in many parts of the world.
“But it’s the friends I’ve made along the way who have contributed images to this book I’ve never seen before and that is what makes it so special. I hope the Seve fans around the world enjoy the book as much as I did putting it together.”
Here, Cannon picks out some his favourite photographs of Ballesteros and also explains why they are special.
For more unseen images & family portraits http://et.golf/SeveTheBook
1. Centre of attention
A picture I love of a young Seve in The Open at Birkdale in 1976 - two months after I played with him in a pro-am! Who could have known? Photo: John Leatherbarrow
2. Smiling at St Andrews
Seve described this moment, winning the 1984 Open Championship at St Andrews, as the happiest moment of his golfing career (or words to that effect). For me, it’s the happiest moment of my golf photography career! Photo: David Cannon
3. Swashbuckling Spaniard in full cry
The image on the right is my favourite action photograph of Seve or actually any golfer. It was taken during the 1988 Open at Royal Lytham. Photo: David Cannon
4. Wonderful at Wentworth
The 'Burma Road' at Wentworth is always glorious in the early autumn. Seve, pictured here in the 1984 World Match Play, was great to watch and photograph there. Photo: David Cannon