Seve shines on Setanta

Last night, while waiting for the football to begin, I had the usual flick through the sports channels and was lucky enough to stumble across The Open Years 1984 on Setanta. Everyone remembers their first time and this was the case 23 years ago when I sat through my first Major for pretty much four days and it was as thrilling last night as it was back then.

The fashions and course looked magnificent and these were matched by the true star of the show. If anyone wasn't lucky enough to watch Seve Ballesteros, in the flesh or on tv, then they should make the most of these little nuggets. The swing was fearless, quick and athletic, and bore no resemblance to the one he employed in his last few years on the tour. His short game was sublime.

The shot of the championship came at the Road Hole 17th, a hole the Spaniard had bogeyed the previous days, but when it really mattered he nailed a six-iron 200 yards into the heart of the green.

Tom Watson, playing in the group behind, took a tighter line off the tee and then, in one of the more curious club selections of all time smoked a two-iron over the green, landing on the road, and finishing beside the wall.

Moments later maybe the finest celebration ever? Seve's putt never looked like going in until the last mini-second when it just toppled in from the top side. Cue the fist-pumping and look of the happiest man on the planet.

For all us sentimental types there is always a hint of sadness. Wouldn't it be great to see Seve battling away occasionally on the Seniors Tour or at least dazzle us for two days at the Open but this isn't going to happen and it's a shame. But then again with memories like these there is still plenty to smile about.
By Mark Townsend

Finally a quick quiz question - Who holed the last putt in 1984 for a birdie and a 79 before going on to win the Championship in the early 90s? Scroll down for the answer







A: Ian Baker-Finch