Rough round for Raul
There was more disappointment for Seve Ballesteros’ nephew Raul today when the Jazztel Spanish Open resumed at San Roque.
The 24-year-old has yet to record a top-30 finish in 26 starts on the European Tour since he made his debut six years ago and that again looked unlikely when he went to the turn in 42 in his third round.
Yet to earn a card on the circuit, Ballesteros relies on invitations and knew to expect one this week because his uncle’s company Amen Corner are the promoters of the national championship.
Setting off again at three over par, one inside the halfway cut mark, he followed three opening bogeys with a double-bogey six and then dropped further strokes on the seventh and eighth before ending the front nine with a birdie four.
At nine over par Ballesteros had fallen 15 strokes behind Swedish pacesetter Peter Hanson, who led compatriot Peter Gustafsson – winner of last November’s qualifying school on the course – by one overnight.
It was at the Seville Open a year ago that Ballesteros had his best chance to step out of the shadows of the three-time Open champion. He was only one off the lead after a pair of opening 68s, but closed with 74 and 75 to drop to 33rd.
As for his uncle, he had his 48th birthday a week ago and was hoping to make his comeback at San Roque after 17 months out injured. But a problem with his knee prevented him playing.
Best of the early starters was Dane Soren Kjeldsen, who covered the outward half in 34 and moved to four under for the day and level par overall by picking up further strokes on the 10th and 12th.
It put him into a tie for 14th place after he began the day 58th.
