Golf: Ballesteros retains his optimism

SEVE BALLESTEROS, who is suffering the most unsuccessful run of his career, makes another attempt to change that when he takes part in the Turespana Balearic Open, which starts in Majorca today.

Ballesteros, whose last tournament victory was at this event two years ago, is making his third appearance of the season this week.

After an encouraging 18th finish at Montecastillo a fortnight ago, he then missed the cut in the Mediterranean Open last week.

'I am getting better,' Ballesteros said. 'I'm not hoping to play four rounds here - I'm hoping to win. I think my game is good enough.'

The Spaniard also reiterated his views on where the 1997 Ryder Cup should take place and his unhappiness that the match might be given to the Valderrama club.

In December Ballesteros, the likely captain of Europe in 1997, became a member of the six-man cup committee which is soon to make the decision regarding the venue.

'Augusta and Valderrama are the two most exclusive clubs in the world. I think the match should be played on a public course,' he said.

'The Ryder Cup is to test the power of two continents and to spread the game. I think it would be fatal for golf in Spain to send it to a private club.'

Barry Lane is the only other member of last September's Ryder Cup side taking part in Spain and just two of this season's winners - Mats Lanner and Paul Eales - are in the field.

----------------------------------------------------------------- CARD OF THE SON VIDA COURSE ----------------------------------------------------------------- Hole Yards Par Hole Yards Par 1st 289 4 10th 299 4 2nd 387 4 11th 539 5 3rd 489 5 12th 155 3 4th 154 3 13th 573 5 5th 402 4 14th 315 4 6th 499 5 15th 415 4 7th 336 4 16th 145 3 8th 146 3 17th 448 4 9th 400 4 18th 509 5 Out: 3,102 35 In: 3,398 37 Total: 6,500 72 -----------------------------------------------------------------