• Seve Ballesteros 1957-2011

Seve a true champion - Mickelson

ESPN staff
May 7, 2011
Phil Mickelson's attacking style was based on Seve Ballesteros' thrilling play © PA Photos
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Phil Mickelson has paid tribute to his friend Seve Ballesteros, describing the Spanish legend as a true champion.

Ballesteros lost his battle with cancer on Saturday at the age of 54 and tributes have flooded in for the five-time major champion.

Mickelson idolised Ballesteros as a youngster and there are lots of similarities in their respective games, with both favourites of the cavalier approach.

He said: "The way he played with such flair and the charisma he showed, drew me to watch him play and support him and pull for him.

"What was great that when I first played with him and met him in a PGA Tour event, he did not let me down. He was the guy I was hoping he would be. He would show me a few shots in a bunker, how to hit it lower with run and how to get more spin.

"Over the years I had the chance to develop a friendship with him. We represented the same clothing company and would do shoots together and have lunch and talk. I cherished those times.

"He would say to a few players and give them the ultimate compliment he could and that was to call them a champion. He said it to Nick Faldo after they won the Ryder Cup in 1995. It is the highest honour he could give someone and I would say that about him. He was a champion."

Ballesteros named his dog Phil after seeing Mickelson win the Masters in stunning fashion in 2010 and it was a tribute that thrilled the left hander.

He said: "That means a lot to me, as was the way we have been able to have a relationship over the years. Going from a 10-year-old kid watching him win and then to develop a friendship means a lot to me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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