Here is where he missed his tee time in the U.S. Open, resigned from the European Tour in protest at its ban on appearance money, and fell out with former PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman after failing to play the minimum number of events required to keep his Tour membership. In the heightened atmosphere of the Ryder Cup, Ballesteros' passion and fury have led as often to unforgettable drama as to rows. Tensions were raised at the Belfry in 1989, when Ballesteros questioned a drop Azinger made at the 18th that allowed him to reach the green and win their singles match, and again at Kiawah Island, when Ballesteros and Olaz bal accused Azinger and Chip Beck of breaking the rules by changing the compression of their balls. That Ballesteros is one of the most loved players in the game shows that there is another side to him. Few great players have been as adept at turning empathy, wisdom and encouragement into the potent force that is team spirit.
Nobody has as much heart.
Tony Jacklin, who led Europe to an historic victory on U.S. soil in 1987, said that, at times, Ballesteros' gifts seemed almost superhuman. He just believes. In the last two Ryder Cups, back problems and lack of confidence have gripped Ballesteros' game, stifling his gifts but not his commitment. At Oak Hill in 1995, he hit three fairways in three matches, and yet the inspiration he gave the rest of the team by coaching his partner, David Gilford, to victory and fighting like a tiger in his singles match against Tom Lehman was crucial to Europe's miraculous victory. He's probably the best team man who ever lived.