Golf greats celebrate life of Seve

The 2011 edition of the BMW PGA Championship - one of the flagship events on the European Tour - gets underway Thursday from the famous Wentworth Club in Surrey.

However the focus Monday was celebrating the life of Spaniard Seve Ballesteros, who passed away two weeks ago at the age of 54.

The pro-am event features 22 teams with a host of professionals including several Major Champions like Michael, Retief Goosen and Jose Maria Olazabal. Despite the somewhat challenging conditions the consensus amongst those taking part was that it was an enjoyable way to honour the celebrated man known simply as 'Seve'.

Matteo Manassero, Italian golfer, said, "I think it means a lot. It shows you how much Seve (Ballesteros) was loved. Not just from here but from everybody in the Tour. What is moving now is that we loved him and it is moving so much now in the European Tour. He has done so much and he is always going to be in everybody's heart and he will always inspire so many kids to start golf."

Ross Fisher, English golfer, said, "Yeah, you know it is great to be out here today supporting such a great event. Seve (Ballesteros) was one of my idols growing up and it is a huge and sad loss. What he did for golf in general and maybe golf in Europe. you know, he will always be remembered."

The 2011 BMW PGA Championship gets underway on Thursday.

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