Seve: The Long Goodbye

Norman Dabell in the Telegraph:

It is the news that many were expecting long before now: Severiano Ballesteros, winner of five major titles, Ryder Cup inspiration on and off the course, and once the world's most revered golfer, has announced his retirement.

Don't have to be playing actively to retire? Sorry, continue Norman...

However, before Seve's fans go into mourning, he won't be hanging up his clubs until 2011, when he will be 54. By that time, he reckons, he will no longer have that legendary desire to beat the world, especially Americans, he has had for over three decades.

He's announcing his retirement five years in advance? Cher's farewell tour wasn't this long.