TOM KITE turned a Transatlantic inspection trip into a personal Ryder Cup morale boost when he won the Oki Pro Am in Madrid yesterday. The 46 year old American birdied the final hole to snatch a one shot victory over Argentinian Angel Cabrera at the same time scored a points win in the first skirmish with rival Ryder Cup captain Seve Ballesteros.
The Spaniard had a best of the day 69 but could not stop his American counterpart heading for Valderrama this morning in triumph. Ballesteros finished with a 12 under par 276 for third place, just ahead of David Gilford.
"To win here has given my confidence an enormous boost," said Kite. "There are times when you have not won for a long time when you wonder if your last win really was your last.
David Higgins signed off from his first season on the Tour with a 69 for a five under par 283. This gave him a share of ninth place and earned him £9,454. It was a thoroughly satisfactory performance by the 23 year old Waterville newcomer who moves into 99th place.
Only Ballesteros and Spanish based Miles Tunnicliff were able to match Higgins's return in testing conditions of high winds and showers. This augurs well for the young Irish golfer's prospects in 1997.
John McHenry, playing in the first of 14 events he has been allowed by a special dispensation from the Tour, has to earn £35,000 to keep his card. He tied for 24th. The Cork golfer, out of action for four months because of a hand injury, slipped to a closing 75 but his two under par total of 286 earned him £4,693.
For Kite and Ballesteros, captains eager to be Ryder participants on merit, the future also looks brighter. Kite hopes to be the first US playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963, while Ballesteros has made no secret of his desire to be out on the fairways against the Americans in front of his home supporters.
They gave him vociferous support in his efforts to secure a first victory since his Spanish Open win 18 months ago but after turning in 33, to be one behind Kite, he took one risk too many at the long 11th. Ballesteros tried to take out the dog leg but succeeded in hooking his drive into the pond guarding the 16th green. He had to take a penalty shot and could only make a par five at a hole that Kite and Cabrera both birdied.
Cabrera (27) edged ahead with a birdie at the 16th but then was let down by his putter. He three putted the 17th to allow Kite to level and failed from six feet for the birdie three at the last that would have forced a play off.
Kite had wedged to within 12ins of the flag for the simplest of birdie chances which he converted
Dane Thomas Bjorn, battling with Padraig Harrington for the rookie of the year award, tied with McHenry and will take a lead of £4,005 into the end of season Volvo Masters at Valderrama next week.
