Iconic Royal Birkdale images: Seve Ballesteros hits the world stage

We continue our countdown to The Open by taking a look back at another iconic image from the Royal Birkdale archives - as Seve Ballesteros announces himself on the world stage in 1976.

A 19-year-old Ballesteros was playing in just his second Major after missing the cut at Carnoustie a year earlier, and he immediately proved to be a crowd favourite as he led through the first three rounds and seemed in control with a two-shot lead going into the final day.

However, Ballesteros struggled to a two-over 74 to allow American Johnny Miller to storm through to claim a six-shot win and the Claret Jug after carding a 66.

"I think the best thing for Seve today was that he finished second. His day will come, " said Miller.

And the Spaniard's day would indeed come, as Ballesteros returned to win the first of his three Open titles at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1979, before going on to triumph again in 1984 and 1988.

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