Seve Ballesteros has sent a message of support to the players, officials and staff of this week’s Madeira Islands Open BPI – Portugal.
The Spanish legend, who is still recovering from brain surgery at his home in Spain, designed the glorious Porto Santo Golfe, the venue for this week’s tournament, and wanted to wish everyone involved in the tournament a successful week as The European Tour makes its first stop in Europe on the 2009 International Schedule.
Seve’s message arrived just before a small statue of the great man was unveiled to the public at the clubhouse entrance of Porto Santo Golfe.
Seve’s message read:
Dear Friends,
It is a great pleasure that this week the Madeira Islands Open BPI – Portugal is being played in Porto Santo. For me, this archipelago is very special. It is a place where I have met many people who have demonstrated their sincere friendship to me and it has great value.
From the first time I visited to Porto Santo, I saw that it was a special island with a wonderful landscape and a beauty and tranquillity that is evident on the beaches, in the restaurants, and, of course, among its people.
The regional government proposed me to build a golf course and I agreed to create 36 holes and 9 holes of par 3, a great project.
The island has changed since our agreement, but when the remaining 18 holes are constructed it will bring even more economic strength to the island.
I hope you enjoy it the island and the course and its splendid facilities. For me it is a great course, balanced, really broad, very diverse, with spectacular holes, set in a unique landscape with a wonderful climate and, ultimately, an ideal setting for this great event.
I feel envy of not being able to be among you but for the moment, I wish you the best.
Your Friend,
Seve Ballesteros
