Seve Ballesteros urges European caution in Ryder Cup

30/09/2010

Seve Ballesteros has urged European fans with Ryder Cup packages not to expect a dominant victory over the US team.

The contest kicks off at the Celtic Manor Resort tomorrow (October 1st 2010), with many pundits tipping Colin Montgomerie's Europe for success.

Writing on his website, former Ryder Cup captain Ballesteros acknowledged that two of the American side's most important players - Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson - have not been at their best so far this season.

Despite this, he argued it would be a "mistake" to predict an easy win for Monty's men, who include the likes of Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.

The three-time Open Championship winner claimed it is notoriously difficult to accurately forecast the outcome of matches played in front of people with Ryder Cup packages.

"This is match play and this format is where anything can happen," he remarked.

Ballesteros added it had been "great" to chat with Monty and his team in a motivational telephone call earlier this week, commenting: "I really felt team spirit in that conversation."

Posted by Sandie Banwait