ALMOST predictably, Seven Ballesteros is to put his own individual stamp on the captaincy of the European Ryder Cup team at Valderrama next year, even before a ball is struck. In formally announcing the appointment yesterday of the 38 year old Spaniard, the committee agreed to give him an unprecedented "Captain's Option."

Ballesteros's original request for four wild card choices was turned down by the committee last month. Given the success of the side at Oak Hill last September, they took the view that if the existing system worked, why change it.

So, the top 10 players in the Ryder Cup points table after the 1997 German Open, will again claim automatic places in the side, which means that the Spaniard will have two wild card choices. But he will have an additional nominee if he himself qualifies for the team and then decides to stand down.

Neil Coles, chairman of the PGA European Tour Board of Directors and a member of the six man committee said yesterday: "We believe this to be a positive new rule which accommodates the existing qualifying system."

Ballesteros said: "On being invited to become captain, I made one suggestion, which I call the `Captain's Option,' and this has been agreed." He went on: "If I happen to qualify and I feel that in July 1997 I am not playing well enough, I want to have the option of picking another player of my choice."

The timing of that decision is crucial given that it happens to coincide with the British Open at Royal Troon. The Spaniard went on: "I have not ruled out being a playing captain. In fact, my desire and hope is that I will be playing well enough to take on both roles. My decision will be taken entirely on what I consider to be best for the team.

"If I'm playing well and I have qualified, then I will probably take my place in the teams. I not, I won't." In other words, it is virtually certain that he won't pick himself as one of the two wild cards. But he added: "If, on the other hand, I am a playing captain, I will have a full team supporting, me from the Ryder Cup committee. The exact details ash to who will directly assist me at Valderrama will be worked out once I have taken my decision, not before.

"It is a great honour for me to be the first Continental captain of the Ryder Cup team. I was very happy to accept, particularly as the matches will be in Spain, which gives me great personal satisfaction."

Meanwhile, yesterday's appointment will not mean his restoration to the Ryder Cup committee. Bernard Gallacher the triumphant leader in Rochester, retains his place, but has already ruled out acting as the Spaniard's right hand man at Valderrama. "I'm not a contender, said the Scot. "My time is up, though I'll be happy to assist in small ways, like helping Seve to monitor the form of the players."

Though European Tour executive director, Ken Schofield, claimed that "Seve has been the clear candidate, indeed the only candidate," Gallacher took a more pragmatic view. "I don't think he was the only choice, but I think he is the best choice," he said.

"Seve's going to be a great captain. He is very competitive and will be very anxious to hold onto the trophy. I don't think a playing captain is the ideal solution, but I think it can be done and Seve will inspire the players. There is going to be a lot of tension, but he will get a lot of help."

Gallacher concluded: "One thing he will need is a fresh supply of handkerchiefs - or a contract with Kleenex. He was in floods of tears at Oak Hill and monopolised all the players. Nobody could get near Nick Faldo when he beat Curtis Strange because Seve was hugging him so much." As one of the shoulders that Ballesteros sobbed on, I can certainly empathise with the latter point.