R&A's Seve Documentary, Exhibit And Book Debuts

Based on the reviews and track record of the R&A’s recent film efforts, the new Seve film, exhibit and book of David Cannon images sounds like the fitting tribute his epic career deserves. While I think the 2014 film Seve is fascinating mix of documentary and re-enactment scenes highlighted by Jose Luis Gutierrez’s performance as the young Ballesteros, a pure documentary was needed.

The debut screening took place this week in St Andrews where Javier Ballesteros, playing in the Alfred Dunhill Links, and sister Carmen were on hand to watch and participate in a Q&A.

From TheOpen.com story:

Supported and co-produced by The R&A and directed by David White and Joss Holmes, SEVE tells the story of the three-time Champion Golfer through interviews with members of his inner circle and peers, and never-before-heard audio clips and footage of Ballesteros himself.

As well as capturing the joyous highs of Ballesteros’ career, including his trio of Open wins, two successes at the Masters and his revolutionary impact on the Ryder Cup, the film also examines the tough times the Spaniard faced as he battled injury, a dramatic loss of form and ill health.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “Seve was an inspiration to so many of us in golf and we wanted to celebrate his life and show just how much he meant to the sport. Working with Seve’s family and other key contributors, this landmark documentary chronicles the life and story of this charismatic, flamboyant and inspirational golfer who is without doubt one of the greatest of all time.”

The story says the film can only be screened in Europe as of now, with efforts to secure an international distributor underway.

The exhibit will be on display for 18 months, coinciding with the 150th Open at St Andrews.

Martin Dempster wrote the film for The Scotsman and while I don’t agree with his assessment of the prior Seve film, I’m glad to see such a rave review

It wasn’t all sweetness and light for Seve, of course. From a very early stage in his career, he suffered chronic back trouble while he also suffered from depression.

To try and counter the latter, his manager, who, incidentally, reveals he was taking a 25 per cent cut, set up a phone chat between Ballesteros and the great Muhammad Ali.

Wife Carmen shares some great memories, as do his three children - Javier, who has followed in his footsteps and is playing in this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Carmen and Miguel.

Efforts have been made in the past to try and do justice on the big screen but failed. Not this time, though.