Seve in the Open

[Alex_narey]

Hi everyone,

Wanting to get some thoughts on Seve's possible participation at next year's Open at St Andrews. Good or bad? Obviously it would be super to see him out on the course again, but any negative effects to this?

Appreciate your comments.

Alex

 

[USER1999]

If he makes it, he deserves to be there, as a past winner, and also as a golfing icon. Many of the crowd would follow him, just to see the great man play, even if he isn't that good anymore.

If he plays apallingly, would it dent his legacy? No. Most golfers are of a generation who remember him in his pomp, and I would guess if he was there, it would be to wave at the crowds, and enjoy a big send off, more than the out and out golf score.

Would he be thought less of if he walked off after 9 holes? Maybe.

 

[viscount17]

I would hate to watch him 'just getting round', how painful were Arnie's (and others) 80's. There is a time to stop, at all levels, and unless he has a 'game' I'd rather remember him.

I don't even like the 'honorary starter' concept.

 

[ADB]

I think it would be fantastic if Seve played in the Open - sure, he is not going to compete but it would send a message out to anyone who has battled major illness...don't give up.

The Open would be a better event with his involvement and I, for one, would rather watch him shoot 90 than an journeyman also-ran carding level par.

 

[grumpyjock]

Could be a good thing, sure he will not win?
TW was an outside bet this year, £10 was well spent.
He is a great ambasidor for the game and I wish him well for the future and hope to see him at St Andrews next year I will be there.

 

[Herbie]

I would love to see him play, but I would not like to watch him faulter. I dont think I have seen many golfers with the same passion as seve and I think it would hurt him if he couldnt perform. Hope he is fit enough and I hope he plays though.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Don't do it Seve. Let me remember you as the swashbuckling matador that took the US on in their own backyard and who entertained millions on the European tour over many years with your houdini act.

I don't want to see a living legend become an Open freak show and however much it would be nostalgic I'd rather see you in an ambassadorial role than shooting 80+ especially given your health conditions.

Be brave Seve as it takes a wise and courageous man to know when the show is over.

 

[colint]

If he's fit enough to play then great, it's be a nice way to crown his recovery from illness. Personally I don't the buy the argument about him spoiling peoples memories of him by hacking it round for a couple of days. If you think it will effect your perception of him so much, then don't watch. Although you'd expect him to miss the cut, there's almost certain to be a couple of bits of magic which will be worth it.

I really hope he does it, I'd love the chance to say goodbye and thanks to the person who inspired me to play golf more than any other.

 

[Mike_j_golf]

Hi,
I think he said he would like to play in the open on the BBC coverage think he had been watching Tom Watson i think he is 5 or 6 years younger than Tom so he thinks if he can do it so can i, best of luck to him i say.
Mike

 

[need_my_wedge]

I think he'd only do it if he thought he could compete, and if he can, then good luck to him. Have seen some pretty good players from the current era having some mares recently.

 

[Smiffy]

Hi,
I think he said he would like to play in the open on the BBC coverage think he had been watching Tom Watson
Mike

Trouble is...
there is a big difference between Tom Watson playing badly and Seve.

 

[Ethan]

Not a remote chance of Seve taking part. He will be lucky to be able to watch it on TV, sadly.

 

[mono217]

Would love to see this but should always be his health first

 

[DCB]

I remember seeing him at the Mizuno stand in the exhibition tent during the 2000 Open. He didn't play that year because of his ailing back. He still drew a huge crowd who all wanted a glimse of a true legend in the game.

I think that it would be better for him not to play. I for one would rather remember him as he was all those years ago when he was truly the best.

If he does indeed play, then all the best to him.

 

[DMC]

If his health allows then i for one would love to see him play again. I have been fortunate enough to have seen him several times so far,would love to do so again.

 

[Smiffy]

I have been fortunate enough to have seen him several times so far,would love to do so again.

So have I. I was in awe of the guy. My hero, stood no more than 3' away from me. He was a God. I'd rather watch him shoot a 76 than anyone else shoot a 66.
But do I want to see him stumble to a 94 and 98 in the first two rounds, miss the cut and go home a broken man?
Nope

 

[brendy]

Hi,
I think he said he would like to play in the open on the BBC coverage think he had been watching Tom Watson
Mike

Trouble is...
there is a big difference between Tom Watson playing badly and Seve.

Seves chipping an putting is better than Tom's when he is playing badly haha.

 

[Smiffy]

Seves chipping an putting is better than Tom's when he is playing badly haha.

Yeah but Tom's chipping for birdies and pars. Unfortunately Seve will be chipping for bogies and doubles.
Sorry to say

 

[Imurg]

I'm firmly on the fence on this one but leaning a little on the "Don't do it" side.

I get Murph's (and others) views but I also see Homer's point.

If he can genuinely compete then I've got no problem. But if he's going to hack around in 80+ then he's not doing anyone any favours.

Personally. I don't think he'll be fit enough so its not going to be an issue. Isn't he partially blind in one eye now? Not that this would necessarily stop him but its a indication of his predicament.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think the eyesight is going, there must be remedial damage from the operations and his back can't have improved immensely either. It just feels wrong to me for him to go out like that.

I agree with others regarding seeing him live. I was at the Seve trophy where he took on Monty and could hardly keep it in the same county but kept gettting up and down for a half. You could see Monty getting redder and redder. Some of those shots were beyond mere mortals even with a 100 goes.