Life-sized statue of Seve Ballesteros "stolen" from his hometown

Spanish authorities suspect "robbery" after a life-sized statue of the late, great Seve Ballesteros went missing from his hometown.  

The statue was erected in the golfer's hometown of Pedrena in 2009. 

It went missing over the weekend, according to the Marina de Cudeyo town council. 

Ballesteros is widely regarded as one of the best golfers to have ever played the game, having won five major championships and helped Europe to five Ryder Cup victories. 

He died of brain cancer in 2011 at the age of 54. 

The town council say authorities are investigating and have urged anyone to contact the Civil Guard or police. 

A statement read: "Local Police and Civil Guard have started investigations to try to clarify this unfortunate event that all indicates is a robbery.

"If anyone has observed suspicious movements, especially in the last 24 hours, please let the Civil Guard or the Local Police know."

The bronze statue was created in 2009 by sculptor Salvador Garcia Ceballos and was permanently installed in La Barqueria Park in 2017.

It captures the moment Ballesteros celebrated a famous victory at the 1984 Open Championship at St Andrews.

Ballesteros trailed American Tom Watson by two strokes heading into the final round but came back to win. 

Ballesteros also won Claret Jug in 1979 and 1988. 

He won The Masters in 1980 and 1983. 

Ballesteros did not win the U.S. Open or the PGA Championship. 

He finished third in the 1987 U.S. Open at The Olympic Club and fifth at the 1984 PGA Championship at Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club.

His legacy in the Ryder Cup cannot be understated. 

Before his involvement, the biennial contest was largely dominated by the United States. 

Ballesteros played in eight Ryder Cups between 1979-1995 for Europe, amassing an overall record of 20-17-10.

He served as the European Ryder Cup captain twice (1997, 1999).