Tour News (posted 29th October 1998)

Euro Tour strike threat recedes

Jerez, Spain - The possibility of a players' strike on the European tour has receded after a meeting with tour executive director Ken Schofield in Spain.

At issue was the decision to include next season's three new World Championship events on the Order of Merit, which Seve Ballesteros called "the most ridiculous the tour has ever made".

Schofield will be making a statement but Jose Maria Olazabal, speaking with Ballesteros standing alongside him, commented: "I think we have got some positive things. Ken will explain everything that was going on tonight with the possible changes that can be worked out and things that can't be worked out."

Deputy executive director George O'Grady said: "It was a very friendly meeting."

Ryder Cup captain Mark James, also chairman of the tournament committee, added: "The matter has been discussed at considerable length and I think some of the players have now heard Ken's view and the committee's view to balance with their own.

"Perhaps they have heard only half the argument until now."

Ballesteros claimed two weeks ago that 90% of tour players were unhappy with the decision and that some were considering the possibility of a strike.

Only 12 Europeans currently qualify for the first of the £3million tournaments in California in February and the argument centres over whether it is fair to all tour players to include the result on the Order of Merit.