Dubai: Javier Ballesteros has said he is under no pressure to emulate the deeds of his legendary late father Seve when he competes in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club this week.
The 24-year-old Spaniard’s five-time Major winning dad – who won this event in 1992 - died of brain cancer in 2011. Ballesteros junior turned professional in November last year and will now be making his first appearance on tour as a professional in Dubai this week, but he brushes off the need to live up to his father’s name.
“When I play a tournament, I usually don’t have expectations,” said Javier. “The thinking is to practice hard and play as well as you can and let things happen. With world-class players in the field, it’s going to be fun and that’s what I will try to have. And when you have fun on the course, things usually go well.
“I have played in a couple of tournaments as a professional in Spain, but this will be the first time I will be competing in a European Tour event (as a professional). So, I’m really looking forward to the challenge.
“The experience of playing in this tournament will be a great learning curve and something which will stand me in good stead for the future. But my surname doesn’t really put any pressure on my golf. What my dad did was just fantastic, winning five Majors and close to 100 tournaments. But I will just try to be myself and play golf. Missing a few drives here or there is normal,” added Javier, who played this event as a special invitee last year on behalf of his late father (who won here in 1992) as all 20 past champions were assembled for a special 20th anniversary edition.
“I am really grateful to Golf in Dubai for honouring the memory of my father last year. They have invited me again which is great.
“I was too young to remember anything when my father won in Dubai, but I do know he liked being here and playing in the tournament which he held in high regard because of its excellent organisation and a particularly pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
“My father encouraged me to play golf and he was my first teacher, but he always told me that studies come first. His ways of teaching were pretty simple. He would often say be natural if you aim to succeed. With every day that passes I enjoy golf more, but I do not plan challenges or set goals. The whole idea is to enjoy it, and have fun.”
