Established professionals inspired by Seve Ballesteros have been among the first to pay tribute after the death of the Spanish golf legend at the age of 54.

Ballesteros, who lifted five majors in a colourful and pioneering career, died on Saturday morning (10.10 AEST) following respiratory failure.

World No.1 Lee Westwood wrote on Twitter: "It's a sad day, lost an inspiration, genius, role model, hero and friend. Seve made European golf what it is today. RIP Seve."

Ballesteros' fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia added: "He was a game-changer. To come from where he did and do what he did was amazing."

The flags at Real Club de Golf El Prat will be flown at half-mast for Saturday's third round of the Spanish Open, while the players will wear black ribbons and there will also be a minute's silence.