Crail, Scotland … Today marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of the legendary Seve Ballesteros.

I still remember the day vividly as I was in Spain and it was the third day of the Spanish Open at the El Prat Golf club.

Seve’s close friend and colleague Jose Maria Olazabal was in tears as he spoke of his relationship with Seve.

And Ollie was not the only one overcome with emotion in learning of Seve’s passing at the young age of just 54.

Five years ago the 2011 Spanish Open stops in tribute to Seve Ballesteros

Then on the Sunday morning ahead of the final round there was the remarkable sight of everyone involved in the tournament lined up on the practice range as a sign of respect for a true golfing legend.

Seve,  who claimed 87 titles over his career, won the Open Championship in 1979, 1984 and 1988 and became the first European to win the Augusta Masters in 1980, repeating the feat in 1983.

He also enjoyed a successful Ryder Cup career as both player and captain – playing in eight Ryder Cups and winning 22½ points from 37 matches before guiding Europe to victory over the United States at Valderrama in 1997.

Seve Ballesteros as the golf world remembers him five years on after his passing.

But it was his daring and flamboyant style that made Ballesteros special, transforming the image of golf and bringing a whole new audience to the sport.

Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal had been in contention that week and with everyone hoping he would win the tournament on home soil but it was South African Thomas Aiken who succeeded.

And then in a fitting tribute, Aiken dedicated his maiden Tour success to Seve.