Golf Blog: Seve Trophy Shambles

Golf Blog: Seve Trophy Shambles

This week sees the 8th edition of the Seve Trophy, as Continental Europe take on Great Britain and Ireland in a matchplay format.

On the surface that sounds like an intriguing prospect - 4 days of fascinating golf as the top players from their respective teams battle it out in the name of matchplay king Seve Ballesteros.

But let me stop you there, before your dreams and thoughts run away with you.

The likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Luke Donald et al will not be in attendance this year because they have all turned down an invitation after qualifying through their world ranking.

The thought process behind these decisions leaves me completely flummoxed.

Why would McIlroy, Westwood, Poulter and Kaymer not want to hone their confidence after disappointing seasons and enjoy the team spirit that will surely be in abundance?

It has left the 20-man field short of the world-class talent, with the highest ranking being Matteo Manassero at 31st.

Yet across the pond The Presidents Cup has attracted all the major stars of the PGA Tour, even though this is the 10th time it has been run.

To me this has highlighted that prestige and money have overawed the little European Tour matchplay event, as it has failed to attract the stars it should have.

I am aware that players have missed the Seve Trophy in the past but this year it seems even more desolate and I think it is a great shame for the Tour, captains and fans alike.

In fact, I can really see a first defeat for GB&I since the inaugural event in 2000.

Barring a handful of players, they have very few who are in form at the moment, whereas their counterparts look very strong.

Europe only have four players missing, with deserved spots for 2013 stalwarts Gregory Bourdy, Joost Luiten and Mikko Ilonen.

If you're looking at just the world rankings and Race To Dubai standings the average for GB&I is 91 and 36 respectively, whilst Europe is 55 and 21.

Need I say more?

Lewis Pacelli writes for Down the 18th "Golf Betting and Opinions from a young perspective"