Golfing veteran Seve Ballesteros has been reprimanded for the first time in his 27-year-long career after losing his temper during the opening round of the Spanish Open. The 44-year-old was caught on camera reacting angrily following a poor shot on the sixth hole at the course in Valencia. The Spaniard was forced to hack his second shot on to the fairway after his tee-shot found an iceplant in the rough. When the ball only went 60 yards forward, Ballesteros violently swung his club, thrashing the iceplant.
Tournament director Miguel Vidaor revealed that Ballesteros did come up to him afterwards to apologise for his behaviour. "He said it was a bad moment for him and agreed that such behaviour reflected badly on him and on the game," explained Vidaor. However, the sanctions taken against the former Ryder Cup captain will be not be revealed. "No official statement will be made about this. It is a matter which will be dealt with privately between Ballesteros as an individual member of the European Tour and the Tour itself," added Vidaor. (PA)
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
