Three years after his passing, this is a small tribute to the great Maestro Roberto De Vicenzo, an icon of our sport. Different personalities from the golf world share anecdotes they lived with him.

In 2017, Wegolf was at Royal Liverpool “Hoylake” -where Roberto won the 1967 Open- on the same day his funeral was taking place in Argentina. It was a very emotional experience; all the club staff remembered him fondly and looked very sad. The club flag was at half-mast, a mural in the clubhouse lobby with newspaper clippings of his victory, and many anecdotes.

We had the chance to interview the club historian (Joe Pinnington), the professional (John Heggarty), and everyone, upon hearing we were from Argentina, expressed their emotion and gratitude toward Roberto’s life.

A selection of stories follows from personalities in Argentine golf.

Vicente “Chino” Fernández

One of the anecdotes that moved me the most with Roberto happened at the beginning of December (I don’t remember the year), before the holidays. The phone rang at my house and it was him. I answered and he said: “Kid, I’m calling you now because during Christmas and New Year the lines will be busy. I want to greet you and tell you that I love you very much.” And I replied: “Roberto, I love you very much too.” He answered: “but I love you more than you love me.” “But Roberto, how can you know that?” I asked. “Look, in Argentina I had almost 90% of the crowd support, but when you came you took half of it from me, you split the crowd. And even though you took a lot of my public away, I still love you the same.”

That was Roberto De Vicenzo. I miss him a lot.

Francisco Alemán

It was the 1988 Argentine Open at Hurlingham and Roberto announced it would be his last competitive Open. After three rounds I found myself tied with Roberto at 210 after shooting three rounds of 70. That afternoon, I managed to get paired with him for the final round.

We played together that Sunday in intense heat at Hurlingham. On the 15th green Roberto put his hand on my shoulder and said: “Kid, we have to finish 3-3-3”. I didn’t understand it. He birdied 16, birdied 17, and reached 18 with momentum. He hit a great approach but missed the putt for a par and finished with a 66.

Later he told me: “Kid, if I had made it, I would have shot 65 and tied my age in my last competitive round of the Open, which would have made me very happy.” That’s when I understood Roberto.

Silvia Bertolaccini

I have many beautiful memories of following him at Acantilados and Playa Grande. I had the chance to play a mixed tournament with him in the United States representing Argentina, and I still remember my nerves. He calmly transmitted peace and gave me advice.

He once told me: “Silvia, when you are nervous, slow down all your movements and do them in slow motion.” It helped me a lot. “Remember, golf is not easy, and the most important thing is to score well when you are playing badly; anyone can score well when playing well.”

Pablo Sola

In 1978 Roberto invited me to accompany him to tournaments. At the Legends of Golf, Bob Toski said: “What are you doing watching me, when the best tee-to-green player in history just left: Roberto De Vicenzo.”

David Gurfinkel

Roberto should be remembered for two qualities: his game and his generosity. His 231 tournament wins are recorded in golf history, but his generosity and teaching spirit defined him even more.

He taught me: “The balls outside bunkers are full of players like you. Play the shot that gives you options.”

Hernán Rey

I asked him to sign a glove once. That day I saw the famous image of Roberto at the tee of 1 in the 1970 World Cup. At 82 years old he still played at an extraordinary level, finishing under par in a US Open–style setup.

Mara Larrauri

I met Roberto in 1991 at Ranelagh. He never missed practice. He was mesmerizing to watch. His precision was unbelievable and his mindset brilliant. He said: “Just look at the target and hit.”

Germán Bustamante

Before Severiano Ballesteros came to Argentina, Roberto practiced like a young pro, hitting 500 balls per day. He trained as if he were still competing at the highest level.

Raúl Travieso

At the 1968 Masters, Roberto’s intensity and focus stood out. Even after missing the cut, he stayed to support the event. His presence shaped everything that weekend.

Carlos Álvarez

He taught me course strategy. He would challenge my decisions and force me to think differently. He made the game simpler: choose the shot that gives you the best next shot.

Álvaro Canessa

Roberto once gave money to a woman asking for help, only to later find out it was a scam. His response was: “That’s the best news I’ve heard today.” That shows who he was.

Everyone who spent time with Roberto highlights his generosity, sacrifice, perseverance, and competitive spirit. These qualities defined him not only as a golfer, but as a human being.