Seve was a cavalier in a game dominated by rounheads. He had a passion for the game that burnt as bright as his genius for it and his imagination and that passion showed through. For all that Faldo, Langer, Lyle, Woosnam and later Olazabal were great golfers, Seve was the individual who by force of personality dragged European golf out of the mire it was in in the '70s. As Andrew says Seve played a huge role in persuading his contemporaries that Europe could compete with America. He clearly felt uncomfortable in the US and I suspect that for that reason Americans never really saw the charm that he brought to the game in Europe.
Much as I admire Faldo for what he achieved, Seve will always be my golfing hero. I'm sad he's retired so young but pleased that we won't be subjected to the sad sight of him trying to recapture past glories. I saw him play at Hoylake last year where, despite missing the cut he played respectably. He still attracted large galleries and exuded charm all the way round, with his eldest son caddying for him. I'm pleased that will be his last Open memory.