Ballesteros to make a splash at the Northern Irish Open

As a very quick follow up to my last blog about the Northern Irish Open... news just in is that a Ballesteros will be in the field at Galgorm Castle, from 6-9 August (nex week).

Javier Ballesteros of Spain pictured next to a commemorative
sign in recognition to his dad during the Challenge de Madrid
at the El Encín Golf Hotel in Madrid, Spain.
(Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Ballesteros may not have reached the dizzy heights of his legendary father Seve, but the 24-
year-old Spaniard is quietly going about his business and cutting his teeth on the European Challenge Tour.

With such a famous surname in golf, one of Javier’s greatest challenges is emerging from the shadows of his father, the five-time Major winner and Ryder Cup hero who inspired a Continent with so many epic battles against the Americans.

Javier has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father into the professional game and joined the paid ranks at the end of last year. He initially registered for the Alps Tour Qualifying School and this year has enjoyed a few starts on the Challenge Tour. His best finish was tied 18^th in the Najeti Open in France in June. 

"This is something I have always wanted. Whether I will succeed or not, time will tell," said Javier of turning professional and the major influence his dad had on him. "He taught me everything or almost everything I know about golf, and I would have loved him to see me turning pro. I am sure he would be very proud."

The par three 12th at Glagorm Castle

Ballesteros is one of many international competitors hoping to land the NI Open title won last year by Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren. He is joined in the field by compatriot Nacho Elvira, a two-time winner this season who is searching for a third that would earn him automatic promotion onto the main European Tour.

Entry to next week’s Northern Ireland Open is free, simply register online at www.niopen.co.uk/tickets