The legendary Seve Ballesteros has been confirmed as Captain of the European Team for the third edition of the Royal Trophy - Europe vs Asia Golf Championship to be played at the highly exclusive Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand on January 11-13, 2008.

Perceived by many as the greatest European golfer in history, Ballesteros is the winner of five Major titles - three Opens and two Masters, the winner of 87 professional career tournaments, played in three winning Ryder Cup teams and captained one of the most famous to victory in 1997 at Valderrama – the first time in history the Ryder Cup was held outside of the United States and the British Isles.

The man from the small Northern Spanish village of Pedrena at his prime was a spectacular golfer and one of the most creative, determined and successful players to ever play the sport. However, the handsome Spaniard is even more well-known for his "larger than life" persona, tremendous charisma and ability to play shots that even the world's greatest golfers would only dream of attempting. His ability to get out of trouble on the golf course left fans stunned, his short game and "touch of an angel" left all in awe. His determination to set his own unique path in professional golf impacted the sport in so many ways - the former world #1 laid down the foundation for European professional golf as we know it today.

In the same way that football had Pele and boxing had Muhammad Ali, golf had Seve Ballesteros - all extraordinary athletes that transcended their respective sports and sport in general.

Ballesteros captained the European Team in the Royal Trophy in 2006 and 2007 and came out victorious in both occasions. "The European Team had great players and great champions in both 2006 and 2007. Our players played fantastic golf. But the Asian Team was also very strong and in 2006 we prevailed by only one match difference. Asian golf continues to improve very quickly and we must be prepared for very strong competition from the Asian Team," said the man who has captivated and inspired millions of fans during his career.

"We have had two fantastic years at the Royal Trophy. We have all enjoyed top-level golf, great weather, large fan galleries and an excellent golf course. I am very much looking forward to leading the European Team at the Royal Trophy 2008," added the great ambassador of the sport.

The Royal Trophy features eight-player teams from Europe and Asia respectively, each led by a non-playing Captain. The two continental teams compete for stewardship over the Royal Trophy, graciously donated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The three-day competition features a total of sixteen matches including foursomes, four-ball matches and singles.
"It is fantastic to have Europe and Asia competing for stewardship over the Royal Trophy. We are all honored to play for a Trophy so graciously donated by His Majesty the King who is so much loved by all of the Thai people. I am confident that the Royal Trophy will be a great display of team and match-play golf," added the golf virtuoso.

"We are delighted that Seve Ballesteros will captain the European Team once again. Seve is a true legend of the sport and one of the great personalities of sport," said Lincoln Venancio, Managing Director of Entertainment Group Limited, co-promoters of the Royal Trophy.

The Royal Trophy Sponsors include Heineken, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), PTT, Siam Commercial Bank and Toyota (Thailand). For further Tournament information, please call +662 651 9499. The third edition of the Royal Trophy will be held on January 11-13, 2008 at Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand and is promoted by Entertainment Group Limited and Amen Corner.