Seve set for spell on sidelines

It could be the Irish Open at the end of next month before Seve Ballesteros plays again.

The 45-year-old Spanish star, who has fallen outside the world’s top 1,000, is missing from the Volvo PGA championship which started at Wentworth today and according to ex-Ryder Cup partner Jose Maria Olazabal is taking an extended break from the game.

On his last appearance five weeks ago, Ballesteros beat Colin Montgomerie in their Seve Trophy captains’ duel just as he did in the inaugural match two years ago.

But he won despite scoring a six-over-par 78 and two of his drives did not even clear the forward tees after clattering into trees.

Ballesteros has won seven times at Wentworth five World Match Plays, one PGA championship and a Martini International but even that success has not prompted him to enter the European tour’s flagship event this year.

‘‘He is thinking about what he is going to do with his game it’s been hard on him,’’ commented Olazabal.

‘‘I thought the Seve Trophy would cheer him up, but obviously he was quite disappointed with the way he struck the ball.

‘‘He is still a great fighter, though. I have spent a lot of years of my career watching him, learning from him and being supported by him, I have seen him play at the highest level and I know what he is capable of.

‘‘To see him struggle the way he is is hard on me and I guess it’s hard on him too. I keep my fingers crossed.

‘‘If you could give him the ball in the middle of the fairway he would be winning tournaments again.’’

Ballesteros’ last victory was the 1995 Spanish Open the 50th Order of Merit victory of a glittering career which also includes three Opens and two Masters titles.