R.I.P. Seve Ballesteros**
/The news was foreshadowed but it doesn't make it any easier knowing how much one of the great sportsmen suffered. Tributes to come...
An unbylined story on Jose Maria Olazabal's emotions Saturday:
"Obviously, he has been present all the time,'' he said. "Our relationship was so close. I always felt privileged for all the moments that we shared together, and there have been many. Even though I knew what the situation was, when the moment arrives you are never sufficiently prepared.''
Playing partner Colin Montgomerie said Olazabal was "in floods of tears most of the day. He has lost an older brother almost.''
"It was very difficult to get too much out of Jose Maria - he was very tearful and filling up. You could see in his eyes the great loss he feels and they've been a great support for each other. He did well to play at all today,'' said Montgomerie, who partnered with Ballesteros in a number of Ryder Cups. "It was his brother, really. It was a very, very sad day for him.''
Nick Faldo: "I am deeply saddened by the news on the passing of Seve. He had a real impact on me and on my life in this sport. He was a leader; bringing the spotlight to the European Tour, paving the way to European success at the Masters and bringing his relentless passion to the Ryder Cup. Today I would call him, Cirque du Soleil. For golf, he was the greatest show on earth. I was a fan and so fortunate I had front row seat."
Randall Mell with comments from Paul Azinger.
Bob Harig on his passing with a Sportscenter video tribute as well.
Craig Dolch with a variety of player memories of Seve the golfer.
And Peter Alliss's final interview with Seve, now viewable outside of the UK.
**More:
Golf Digest has posted a page of Seve stories from over the years.
They've also posted this slideshow. No one photographed like Seve.
SI/golf.com has a special Seve Tribute page.
John Garrity recalls the legend.
SI provides a photo gallery recalling the man.
AP video:
