The legacy of an icon who changed the game, told by the person who knew him best.

Growing up as Severiano Ballesteros’ son meant growing up with a legend as a role model, but also with a real person behind the myth. Javier Ballesteros has devoted part of his life to keeping his father’s legacy alive through the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, while also following in his footsteps on the golf course. In this conversation, we look at what remains of Seve’s creative spirit today, the projects the Foundation is currently working on, and what it means for Javier to see his father’s legacy brought to life through a collaboration with Jimmy Lion.

1. Seve is considered one of the most creative and unpredictable players golf has ever seen. Where do you think that unique way of playing came from?

He started playing with a 3-iron on the beach and sneaking onto Pedreña Golf Club at night. I think that gives you a pretty good idea of where he developed that very special ability.

2. He described golf himself as “a magnificent and very peculiar game.” What do you think he meant by that?

I think golf teaches you many lessons without you even asking for them, and over the course of an 18-hole round, you experience every possible state of mind.

3. Beyond the titles and trophies, how would you describe your father’s legacy in a few words?

He inspired many people to take up golf and made a difference in many people’s lives, whether by helping them or simply bringing them joy through his golf. People still write to me saying that they named their son Seve after my father. Others tell me their wife wouldn’t let them name their child Seve, but their dog or cat is called Seve instead. There are so many stories and anecdotes.

To this day, many people write to me saying that my father inspired them, made them start playing golf, or that they spent some time with him and, all these years later, still remember it as something exceptional and wonderful.

4. Is there a particular story or memory that captures who Seve really was?

I have so many memories of my father, but if there is one thing that always comes to mind, it is how affectionate he was with us and how much time he dedicated to the three of us.

5. How did you feel when you were first approached about bringing Seve’s figure and spirit to life through a collaboration with Jimmy Lion?

I was very curious and excited to see what we could create together. I had bought a few pairs of socks and a T-shirt from Jimmy Lion before, and I really liked the brand.

6. For those who may not be familiar with the work of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, could you tell us what it does and what its mission is today?

The Seve Ballesteros Foundation has two main purposes. On the one hand, supporting research into brain tumours, and on the other, bringing golf and its values closer to younger generations.

7. Of everything the Foundation does, is there a particular project or initiative you are especially excited about?

Without a doubt, the project I am most excited about is Golf in Hospitals. In collaboration with the Aladina Foundation, we have been running a programme for some time now aimed at children who are cancer patients. The goal is to make their time in hospital a little less difficult and, even if only for a few hours, bring them moments of fun and normality through golf.

As well as online and in-hospital lessons, every two or three months we organise trips to golf courses. Once a year, some of these families also come to Pedreña to spend a few days and discover the place where my father was born and grew up.

It is difficult to understand what these children and their families are going through, but being able to see them happy, enjoying themselves and disconnecting for a moment from everything they are experiencing is something that makes us incredibly happy. I am sure my father would be very proud to see his Foundation involved in a project like this.

• The place in Cantabria that still surprises you: Pedreña. There is no better place in the world.

And finally: describe Jimmy Lion in three words: Opportunity, ambition and closeness.

Thank you socks much for reading!