The name Ballesteros back at Lytham!

Javier Ballesteros - son of the much revered and much missed Seve - has entered the Lytham Trophy for amateurs at the course.

Javier’s appearance in the biggest strokeplay event in the English amateur calendar will evoke a wave of nostalgia and emotion.

It was at Lytham that Javier’s late father won two of his Open Championships in 1979 and 1988.

Seve described the final round of his ‘88 triumph as the best golf he had played in his life.

Javier’s appearance among the entries will spark extra interest in the Lytham Trophy, which takes place from May 2 to 4.

A law student in Madrid, Javier will tee up in the first round alongside Daniel Young (Craigie Hill Golf Club) and Albert Eckhardt, of Finland, who won the competition last year and is back to defend his title.

Javier recently appeared in the Dubai Desert Classic among professionals at the Emirate Golf Club in memory of his father, who enjoyed much success there.

Royal Lytham secretary Charles Grimley said it was ‘exciting’ news to see the name of Ballesteros Junior in the field for what is the 50th anniversary of the Lytham Trophy.

He said: “I am sure our members will be excited to see him play and it will be a reminder of Seve’s glory days here - Javier has got a place in the Lytham Trophy on merit.

“He looks very much like his father.”

To mark the half-century of the Lytham Trophy, there will be an eve-of-tournament dinner at which all the past winners have been invited, including the inaugural champion Sir Michael Bonallack, one of the greatest-ever amateurs.

Also among this year’s entries is the United States Amateur champion Matthew Fitzpatrick, who is taking part in this week’s US Masters in Georgia.

One of the favourites for this year’s Lytham Trophy will be German Dominic Foos, the highest-rated player in the field, playing off plus-six.