Ballesteros escapes punishment for row

Seve Ballesteros has escaped punishment for an incident with European Tour official Jose Maria Zamora earlier this year.

Zamora, a tournament director, was playing an amateur event at Ballesteros’ home club of Pedrena in September when he was confronted by the the five-time major winner.

The ill feeling between the two stemmed back to last year when Ballesteros had a row with Zamora after being warned about slow play in a tournament in Madeira.

However, George O’Grady, who becomes executive director of the European Tour on January 1, announced today that no further action will be taken.

“There was an incident and both Seve and José Maria regret that it took place,” said O’Grady.

“Words were spoken in the facilities of a private golf club and Seve accepts that he should have talked to José Maria in private so that the issue was left between the two of them.

“I have had a full and frank talk with Seve and I am now aware how bad he feels about the whole situation he has been going through.

“We do not condone what took place but there are mitigating circumstances for an incident so totally out of character during a career stretching more than 30 years.”

Ballesteros added: “I am aware who I am and what I represent and thus regret what happened.

“During my extensive professional career, I have always respected the noble rules of this game, both on and off the course.

“As far as the incident is concerned, my apologies to the European Tour and to those affected by my wrong manners.

“I am a passionate character and the high tension of the moment were detrimental to the situation.

“I would like to express my annoyance over the incident which has attracted so much recent media attention.”

Zamora added: “What happened at Pedrena should never have been taken to the level that it has.

“Seve and I had our differences in Madeira but it would be wrong to imply, as has been the case, there is on-going friction between us.

“As far as I am concerned I look forward to Seve being able to compete again. He remains one of Spain’s leading sportsmen, let alone the greatest golfer we have ever produced, and he is an inspiration to all our young players because of his achievements.”