1991 will go down in golfing history not only for its intensity, but also for a somewhat unexpected play in the final of the World Match Play Championship, a duel between two giants of the sport: Severiano Ballesteros and Nick Price. The battle was fierce, with Price two holes up, while Seve, true to his style, did not lose his concentration. But, like any human being, even champions need a breather… and something to eat.
It was on the 13th hole when, with tension running high, Seve asked his caddie, Billy:
– “Do we have anything to eat?”
– “I have a banana and fruitcake,” Billy replied.
– “Give me the banana,” Seve asked, but when he saw it, his face changed. The banana was too yellow for his taste, and he quickly asked for the fruitcake instead.
While Nick Price, focused and ready for his shot, was in his backswing, Severiano decided to take a bite of the cake… and what happened next was something few could foresee. Seve choked on the cake, starting to cough unexpectedly just as Price was about to hit the ball. The result: a bad hit that left Nick trapped in the bunker.
Ballesteros, concerned and embarrassed, immediately apologised, showing his awareness of the situation. Without hesitation, he asked the referee to allow Nick to repeat his stroke, as, according to Seve, the incident had been completely accidental and unconnected with the competition. However, the referee rejected the request, claiming that, as it was spontaneous, he could not penalise either player. Faced with this stance, the gentlemanly Price, with characteristic composure, agreed that there was no problem.
The duel continued, and although Nick left the ball only three metres away to tie, Billy, Seve’s caddie, begged him to let Price have the courtesy putt. But Severiano, firm and determined as ever, responded without hesitation: ‘No way. I offered a solution on the fairway, but now I have to finish the hole’.
Despite the small setback, Ballesteros continued to fight with his characteristic combative spirit. Nick holed his putt, but Seve did not give up and managed to come from behind, finally taking the trophy in one of the most memorable victories of his career. With this victory, he equalled the record of five World Match Play victories, a milestone previously achieved only by Gary Player.
Severiano Ballesteros, the golfer who knew how to be a gentleman and a warrior at the same time, demonstrated on that day that, even if the competition is fierce, respect and humanity must always prevail. And, of course, that a piece of cake can change the course of a round of golf… and the fate of a tournament.