Spain’s Sergio Garcia, saddened by the death of idol Seve Ballesteros, struggled to a two-over par 74 on a difficult Saturday emotionally at the US PGA Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“It’s unfortunate and it’s difficult, but that wasn’t why I played so poorly. I just hardly did anything great,” Garcia said.

“Yeah, it’s a sad day. We’re all feeling for Seve’s family. He’s been suffering for quite a while now, so probably better that he’s resting now.”

Spanish icon Ballesteros died earlier Saturday at age 54 of respiratory failure. The three-time British Open and two-time Masters champion had been in poor health for several years after operations to remove a brain tumour.

Known for his flair and ability to make jaw-dropping shots from the most difficult of situations, Ballesteros held a special place in the hearts of the generation of Spaniards like Garcia who followed him into golf’s elite level.

“He was special,” Garcia said. “He was just such an amazing player, such an amazing person. He was just different, the charisma he had and everything, the way he played, the way he went around it, it was great to watch.

“You know, it’s a shame that some of the young guys didn’t get to know him more.”

South Africa’s Rory Sabbatini noted that Garcia and the other Spaniards who followed Ballesteros onto the top levels of golf are among his legacies to the spot.

“One of the most charismatic and entertaining golfers to watch and it’s obviously very sad,”
Sabbatini said. “He represented Spain in a fantastic fashion and look at the wealth of superstars that he brought forth after him.”

US veteran Davis Love said Ballesteros seemed immortal.

“He was an icon of the game, and we all looked up to him, and he inspired a lot of people. It’s a big loss,” Love said.

“He’s one of those guys that you think is going to live on forever like Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer. They are always going to be there hitting miraculous shots. It’s a sad day.”
For Fiji’s Vijay Singh, Seve’s memories will last forever.

“He’s gone, but his memory is going to stay forever,” Singh said. “There are so many great memories from everybody. He was a great man, not only on the golf course but off the golf course. I think it’s a great loss and he’ll be missed.”