How many weeks in total was Spain’s Seve Ballesteros ranked the number 1 player in the world?

Seve totalled 61 weeks at number 1 over 5 separate periods.

More about Seve Ballesteros

Seve was the second golfer to hold an official number 1 ranking after they were introduced in 1986. Bernhard Langer was the first.
He won a total of 91 professional tournaments including 5 Majors and 50 tournaments on the European Tour.
Each of the US PGA tour wins came between 1978 and 1988, the period he battled with Greg Norman for the number one ranking.
Seve’s son Javier is now carving out his own career as a professional golfer. This touching article in the Telegraph shows a strong bond between the two.
Seve won his first major title after making a birdie 3 from the car park on 16 in the 1979 British Open.
This link takes you to an article by The Guardian after Seve won his last major, the 1988 British Open.

Family Background: Seve came from a family with a strong golfing tradition. His older brother Manuel and his uncle Ramón Sota were professional golfers.
Starting Young: Seve started playing golf at a very young age, using a makeshift club made from a broken 3-iron. He practiced on the beaches near his home, developing his creative and imaginative playing style.

Breakthrough in 1976: At the age of 19, Seve burst onto the international golf scene:
- Finished second at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, tying with Jack Nicklaus and finishing behind Johnny Miller. This performance earned him widespread recognition and marked him as a rising star in the sport.
- Won his first professional tournament, the Spanish Professionals Championship.
European Tour Success: Throughout the late 1970s, Seve continued to accumulate victories on the European Tour, showcasing his flair and skill. He won his first European Tour event in 1976, the Dutch Open.

Creative Play: Seve was known for his exceptional creativity and fearless approach to the game. His ability to recover from difficult positions and his imaginative shot-making made him a fan favorite and a respected figure among his peers.
Charisma and Influence: His charisma and competitive spirit inspired many young golfers, particularly in Europe. He played a crucial role in raising the profile of European golf on the global stage.