Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal has blasted three major champions for skipping the Seve Trophy.
On the eve of the biennial event, Olazabal had personally sent letters to Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell asking if they would pay their respects to Seve at St Nom-la Breteche.
But to the Spaniard’s dismay, they declined.
“We all know how instrumental Seve had been to the growth of the European Tour,” said Olazabal, who oversaw the matchplay event and partnered Ballesteros to win 12 points in four Ryder Cup matches from 1987 to 1993.
“I know the younger generation did not have the chance to play when Seve was around but we are here playing on the European Tour in many ways because of Seve.
“Seve was the first man who was instrumental in turning things around on the European Tour for the better and the younger players now on the European Tour need to remember that.
“They should make a little extra effort and make this event what it deserves to be.”
Meanwhile, 2010 European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie was quick to echo Olazabal’s frustrations.
“I can understand it if there is FedExCup involved but if players aren't involved in the USA then they should be at the Seve Trophy,” said Montgomerie.
“Why didn't Rory and Martin play? Scheduling? You don't get players pulling out of the Presidents Cup do you?”
Olazabal is now hoping to move the Seve Trophy to the week of the Presidents Cup in two years’ time, and after the the FedExCup race – which would therefore allow Europeans competing on the PGA Tour to play.
Let’s just hope McIlroy, Kaymer and McDowell are not banking on a captain’s pick for Medinah in 12 months time.
Read more: golfmagic.com
On the eve of the biennial event, Olazabal had personally sent letters to Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell asking if they would pay their respects to Seve at St Nom-la Breteche.
But to the Spaniard’s dismay, they declined.
“We all know how instrumental Seve had been to the growth of the European Tour,” said Olazabal, who oversaw the matchplay event and partnered Ballesteros to win 12 points in four Ryder Cup matches from 1987 to 1993.
“I know the younger generation did not have the chance to play when Seve was around but we are here playing on the European Tour in many ways because of Seve.
“Seve was the first man who was instrumental in turning things around on the European Tour for the better and the younger players now on the European Tour need to remember that.
“They should make a little extra effort and make this event what it deserves to be.”
Meanwhile, 2010 European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie was quick to echo Olazabal’s frustrations.
“I can understand it if there is FedExCup involved but if players aren't involved in the USA then they should be at the Seve Trophy,” said Montgomerie.
“Why didn't Rory and Martin play? Scheduling? You don't get players pulling out of the Presidents Cup do you?”
Olazabal is now hoping to move the Seve Trophy to the week of the Presidents Cup in two years’ time, and after the the FedExCup race – which would therefore allow Europeans competing on the PGA Tour to play.
Let’s just hope McIlroy, Kaymer and McDowell are not banking on a captain’s pick for Medinah in 12 months time.
Read more: golfmagic.com
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