The 2012 Ryder Cup was the first to be played since the death of former Ryder Cup captain, Seve Ballesteros.
In memory of the great Spanish golfer, The European Ryder Cup Team’s clothing for the final day at Medinah carried the embroidery “Seve Ballesteros 1957-2011” and five stars signifying the Majors he won during his illustrious career.
The design of the clothing, including the cresting was carried out by the team at Glenmuir’s headquarters in Lanark, Scotland, from where it has operated since 1891.
The idea to memorialise Ballesteros in this way, who was one of Ryder Cup’s finest competitors, came out of consultations between The European Tour, European Ryder Cup Team captain, Jose Maria Olazabal and Glenmuir’s Design Manager, Ann Miller.
The final day outfits of dark blue sweaters and trousers with white shirts was a combination always worn by Ballesteros on the final day of the Majors in which he played.
José María Olazábal,Europe’s Captain, has acknowledged the generous gesture of American counterpart Davis Love III which allowed The European Team to wear navy blue in honour of Seve Ballesteros for the final day.
Olazábal said: “Davis was extremely understanding because he had it in mind for the United States to wear blue on the last day, but when we explained the reason for wanting to wear navy blue he immediately accepted our reasoning. It was a terrific gesture on Davis’s part and one all of Team Europe appreciated.”
Olazábal specifically selected a “Seve Blue” outfit with navy blue cashmere sweater, navy blue trousers and matching designer belt complimented by a pure white cotton polo shirt.
Ballesteros completed his “happiest” victory in similar ensemble when atSt Andrewsin 1984 he won the second of his Open Championship triumphs after pulling on, when the wind strengthened on the 15th tee, a navy blue sweater chosen to go with his white shirt and navy trousers.
Ballesteros played in eight Ryder Cups, won 22 ½ points from 37 matches including 11 wins and two halves from 15 matches in partnership with Olazábal.
He passed away on 7 May 2011, following a courageous battle against cancer and following an outstanding career which included 50 European Tour wins, three Open Championships and two Masters Tournament victories.
Colin Mee, Glenmuir managing director, said: “Seve was an inspiration to generations of European golfers and we were delighted and honoured to help remember him in this special way.
“This was a way for the current team to draw on that inspiration and the fighting spirit shown by Seve throughout his golfing career and particularly in the last few months of his life, which was tragically cut short by illness.”
Glenmuir www.glenmuir.com