The nephew of Seve Ballesteros has hit out at the “greedy and abusive” management policies of the game’s governing bodies that has ultimately led to the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
Ivan Ballesteros has released a lengthy statement on LinkedIn. The news was first reported by Jamie Hall of Bunkered.
His statement has also revealed that Seve held negotiations in the 1990s with Greg Norman – who now no longer wants peace talks with the PGA Tour – over a potential breakaway tour.
Some critics have suggested that LIV Golf is simply Norman enacting his revenge over grievances against the PGA Tour.
Whether you like it or not, Ivan says that LIV Golf is “innovative and fresh”.
In the same statement, he also hit out at the lack of professional players stepping forward to defend the legacy of Seve after his name was omitted from the recently announced Hero Cup.
Related: Seve’s son unhappy with Hero Cup event on DP World Tour
“No wonder LIV Golf has arrived,” Ivan’s statement read.
“I remember in the 90s the conversations Seve had with my father Baldomero and [former employee] Joe Collet about a new tour they were discussing with Greg Norman among other players, which at the time could not happen.
“LIV Golf, whether you like the format or not, is innovative, fresh, new, and most importantly, has the financial power to compete among those who have been there with no competition during many years.”
He added: “Maybe LIV Golf is a consequence of probably poor, greedy and abusive management of some international golf bodies. Perhaps LIV Golf is payback time.”
Ivan’s statement comes in the same week LIV hosted their fifth, $25m event in Chicago.
Related: Greg Norman given a new haircut by Cam Smith in Chicago
Speaking before the Italian Open, Ryder Cup Europe captain Luke Donald addressed the annoyance of the Ballesteros family.
“The Hero Cup is an exciting new team event that is based off the Seve Trophy and EurAsia Cup,” said Donald, who was hit with a bizarre penalty at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome this week.
“It’s my understanding that the European Tour has been in touch with the Ballesteros family and those conversations have been going on, and we want to include them as much as possible in that event.”
Guy Kinnings, the DP World Tour’s deputy chief executive and Ryder Cup director, previously told the media: “We respect Seve’s legacy every single day and we will continue to do so.”