Ballesteros saddened by 'unfair' claims

Seve Ballesteros reacted “with sadness” today to comments linked to his name during the Seve Trophy match at The Wynyard, near Middlesbrough.

The tournament host had been asked during the match if any particular players impressed him beyond what he would have expected of them.

“I don’t really see any players who really today impress me – from either side of the Atlantic to be honest,” he replied.

“There are a lot of players with great talent and great future ahead. But I don’t get impressed that easily – the last player to impress me was Tiger Woods a couple of years ago.”

One report commented that, apart from a few players mentioned by the former Ryder Cup captain, “the rest were driving-range attendants".

Ballesteros took exception to that because it could be interpreted as him using that phrase – and a number of players competing for the trophy that bears his name were incensed.

“Certain comments have hurt everybody in the Seve Trophy event – the players, the officials, the golf club and the sponsors,” Ballesteros said in a statement.

“I feel hurt personally because these reports are very unfair. To put words in my mouth that I didn’t say is not fair.

“I have tremendous respect for all of the players taking part here and I am sure they will understand the position.

“We’ve had a fantastic four days watching the 20 best players in Europe, playing with great team spirit and passion.”