, Huggan suggested that when Seve decided he could not attend the champions' challenge at St. Andrews, it meant that golf--its leaders, its leading players--ought to go to Seve in Spain. An interesting suggestion.
Meanwhile, many of you have sent reactions to Huggan's column (and to some letter-writers), mostly supporting Seve--but not necessarily Huggan. John Huggan must have a huge European-induced inferiority complex to claim that Americans never appreciated Ballesteros' "shot-making genius." American accolades are numerous and documented. We simply didn't care for his prideful arrogance and immature antics, which Huggan might call gamesmanship. As for "peerless charisma" nobody, but nobody, can touch Arnold Palmer. The tragedy isn't that Americans never recognized Seve's charisma; it's that he never parlayed that charisma into commendable behavior on and off the course. These opinions aside, all golf fans wish Mr. Ballesteros the very best with his health issues.
Jim Johnson, Scottsdale, AZ
The opinion article by John Huggan in the July 12th edition is interesting, at best. As an American who has been playing golf for over 50 years, I have the utmost respect for Seve and his accomplishments. Golf is an international game. John demeans American golfers, and Seve, by stating that "the US does not join the rest of us in recognizing the peerless charisma of the senor from Pedrena." Personally, as a golfer who does not always hit from the center of the fairway, I have been honored by fellow golfers who sometimes say -"great Seve shot."His further comment that this lack of respect "is surely the greatest tragedy of Seve's professional life" is rather shortsighted. The real tragedy of his life, and ours, will be if we lose him in the near future.
Jim Mahern, Pacific Grove CA
John Huggan should be careful when making such general statements about Americans. I played college golf when Seve was at his prime and marveled at his shot making and desire to win. I played Sounder irons, because that's what Seve played, and routinely, along with many others, followed him religiously when we went PGA events.
Seve made the modern Ryder Cup. We hated losing and seeing the cup go across the pond but I would venture a guess that the majority of Americans would give Seve big thumbs up and a lot of credit for making the Ryder Cup the exciting match it is today.
God Bless you, Seve! Get well soon!
Ted Kozikowski, Mesa, AZ
We've also begun to get reactions to the reaction, like this one today: Jim Johnson is talking about a completely different Seve Ballesteros than the kind, fan-pleasing person I observed at Oakmont CC in 1983. He came off a very bad round and his handler was hustling him through the crowds to the locker room. Seve ignored the man and spent a long time talking to kids while signing shirts, hats, etc. He was so gracious, while in despair about his lousy round that he earned my life-long respect.
Sue Golier, Pittsburgh, PA
In every sport there are warrior-competitors you hate when as opponents and love when they're on your side. Seve is one of them. But if you're side is golf, the sport, the game, than Seve has always been your guy.
--Bob Carney
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