LEGENDARY Spaniard Seve Ballesteros believes the North-East will be graced by many of next year's Ryder Cup stars if they use The Wynyard as a stepping stone to facing the Americans.

Despite being deprived of star names like Sergio Garcia, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood, the Tees Valley parklands course will still welcome many top names to town for the Seve Trophy.

As well as captains' Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie, European Tour stars Padraig Harrington, Ian Poulter and Thomas Levet are among those to be at Wynyard next week.

And Ballesteros - who will be in attendance as host of the event despite having to relinquish his captaincy through injury - expects some of his Seve Trophy rookies to take a step towards playing in the Ryder Cup at the K Club, Ireland, next year.

"Once again the two teams contesting The Seve Trophy are evenly matched and I expect another close encounter at Wynyard to give golf fans in the North-East a wonderful experience of world-class golf," said Ballesteros, a fomer winner of both the US Masters and The Open.

"I think these teams contain players who will have a big impact on future Ryder Cup teams.

"In 2003 it was Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and David Howell who played well in Valencia before qualifying for the 2004 Ryder Cup team and performing as outstanding rookies.

"This year I am sure other young players will gain valuable experience of team match play golf and take a big step towards doing well against the Americans in Ireland next year.

"I am particularly looking forward to watching the singles match between Colin and Jos Maria and expect a tremendous battle between two of the best match play golfers Europe has ever produced.

"Whatever the result on Sunday, I have no doubt golf in Europe and in England will be the winner."

Nick Dougherty, Bradley Dredge and Graeme McDowell are among those in attendance playing for GB & I team being backed to clinch places for a Ryder Cup berth in Ireland.

After losing the first Seve Trophy duel five years ago to the Europeans at Sunningdale, Montgomerie's Great Britain & Ireland team have gone on to win the next two.

In 2002 they won by three points at Druids Glen and a year later the claimed a two point advantage at Valencia's El Saler course.

Now Olazabal's men are hoping to draw the series when the four day team tournament starts at Wynyard a week tomorrow.

* Tickets for the Seve Trophy available via the official website, www.sevetrophy2005.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets can also be obtained by calling the telephone hotline on 0870 6021121.

Published: 14/09/2005