Golf: Omens favour Ballesteros: Spaniard aims for a double celebration at BMW Open

SEVE BALLESTEROS, refreshed after a week's rest, enters the BMW International Open tomorrow with a convergence of omens both professional and personal.

The tournament is being staged at St Eurach Land and Golf Club, in Munich, the first time an important event has been held there for 17 years. 'I played in that last tournament and won it,' Ballesteros said yesterday. 'Now I hope I can win again.'

Ballesteros is also playing in his first tournament since the birth of his third child, Carmen, 11 days ago, and would like a double celebration with a victory.

The Spaniard had to retire after only four holes in the Dutch Open at Hilversum last month because of a chill in his back. 'Last week I rested and only played nine holes twice and hit 100 balls before coming to Munich, but I'm feeling much better now,' he said.

On Sunday, if all goes well in Munich, he will fly to the United States with Bernhard Langer and a few other players, for the USPGA championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the last major tournament of the season.

Langer admitted he would prefer to have had the week off before the USPGA but feels as the only German golfing superstar he has an obligation to play in all the tournaments in his own country.

There will be no lack of competition for Ballesteros and Langer for the field also includes Mark Roe, Mark James, Ronan Rafferty, Howard Clark, Carl Mason, Peter Mitchell, Andrew Coltart, Mark McNulty, Barry Lane and Rodger Davis.