Seve’s Open celebration remains one of golf’s most iconic images four decades on

Certain images transcend their sport and take up a special place in the history books.

The immortal celebrations from Severiano Ballesteros’ Open Championship win 40 years ago this week mean more to many than just a golfing achievement.

The Open has been played for more than 150 years, with memories made at each and every tournament gone by.

But arguably more than any other image, the fist pump from the man everyone knew as Seve on the 18th at St Andrews is the most loved.

The Spaniard was only 54 when he passed away in May 2011, leaving a huge hole in European and world golf.

His legacy, though, lives on and has been made all the stronger by that celebration in 1984.

Seve won the Open three times, twice at Royal Lytham & St Annes in addition to his one at the Home of Golf.

He was also a two-time Masters champion as he racked up a staggering 90 professional career wins.

In 1984, Seve enjoyed a steady opening three days at the 113th Open and headed into Sunday’s finale two shots behind Ian Baker-Finch and Tom Watson.

With Bernhard Langer also in the mix, Ballesteros found the 18th green in two and knew he needed birdie.

Facing a 15-foot putt, the Spaniard struck it heavy and had seemingly let it drift right of the hole.

But it slowed just enough going up the hill that it balanced on the right edge of the cup before dropping.

Seve, in his now iconic navy blue sweatshirt and white collar polo, sparked into celebration, fist pumping to all his adoring fans around the green.

He later wrote in his autobiography: “I told my caddie, Nick de Paul, that we needed a birdie at the 18th to guarantee victory.

“The putt had a clear borrow to the left, but as I struck the ball, I felt I had overdone it.

“I hadn’t. It rolled sweetly towards the hole, then seemed to hover on the edge of the cup, before finally going in as if in slow motion, perhaps impelled by my powers of mental suggestion, so strong was my desire that it should drop in.

 “This was the happiest moment of my whole sporting life.

“My moment of glory, my most fantastic shot. So much so that picture of me gesturing in triumph is now the logo of my companies.”

The celebration has gone on to be commemorated at many tournaments over the years.

Following his death, the European Ryder Cup team had Seve’s silhouette on their bags as they masterminded their ‘Miracle at Medinah’ victory.

Fellow Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal was Europe’s captain in Illinois that year and looked to his late friend for inspiration.

“Seve will always be present,” said Olazabal.

“Seve, it’s the first time that he’s not here with us at the Ryder Cup. I do have wonderful memories from my matches with him. He was a very special man and he’s very close to my heart.

“He was a big factor for this event and when we were having a meeting I think the boys understood that believing was the most important thing.”

Ballesteros’ iconic celebration will be on full show again at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon.

And, 40 years to the day, Europe’s best will no doubt look for more Seve-inspired magic as they look to join him in forever having their names etched on the Claret Jug.