Ryder Cup stars Colin Montgomerie and Lee Westwood have some advice for fallen idol Seve Ballesteros - take a break and enjoy it.

Both Monty and Westwood have been in the doldrums but the feel that Seve will benefit from a break from golf.

Said Monty: "I don't normally comment on other player but on this occasion I will. I think it's a shame. Every round he has played over the past four years has really dissolved this legendary figure that we have and it's a shame.

"For him to pull out for Muirfield with the way the course will be set up is very wise to be honest.

"Let's hope he can take some time off and come back if he wants to come back when he feels he can compete again.

"But it's a shame. Very sad. Everyone feels that way."

Westwood, who made his Ryder Cup debut under Seve at Valderrama, agrees that rest may be the best cure.

"I know when you are not playing well for a prolonged period of time you just don't feel like playing.

"But he is one of my heroes and the Open won' t be the Open without Seve. He is a legend."

But Westwood still feels that the Spaniard can come back.

"Look at Nick Faldo and Sandy Lyle and Greg Norman. They are all playing very well. They are the same age. There is no reason why Seve can't do it because it's not as if age is a primary concern, as in athletics."

Lyle, who shot a five under par 66 yesterday added: "Seve needs to spend some money and go to someone who can help him. He has lots of friends and just needs to be with a good coach who he can trust.

"He has changed his swing over the past few years. Before he was upright with high hands but now he is down low like Fuzzy Zoeller. He was never that straight but he just needs to sit down and make out a plan. And spend some money"

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© Brian Keogh 2002

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