SEVE BALLESTEROS could have turned next year's Ryder Cup at Valderrama into a lottery. That was the sensational view expressed yesterday by Europe's number one, Colin Montgomerie. And he did not care who heard.

While Zimbabwe's Mark McNulty won the season ending Volvo Masters by seven shots - the biggest win of the year - Montgomerie launched his blistering attack after struggling to 29th place, 16 strokes behind.

Ryder Cup captain Ballesteros became the target of the Scot's anger over his re design of the 511 yard 17th. "It's the worst hole we play all year and it makes this course a lottery," stormed Montgomerie.

"It's just not a hole. I don't care who designed it and I know who did and I don't mind saying this. Seve may be the best golfer that ever lived, but he is no course designer. It's just hideous, and it's going to come at such a crucial time in next year's match.

"We don't want the Ryder Cup to be a lottery. We should start again with it. The whole thing is wrong and completely out of character. There are 17 good holes and that."

After the 1993 Volvo Masters, the green at the par five was moved behind a newly built lake.

In practice on Wednesday Montgomerie saw three good approach shots spin back into the water. Yesterday he saw another roll in.

Ballesteros, without a victory for 17 months now, finished third from last on 20 over par - a last day 78 completing the worst season of his professional career.

The owner of the course, Jaime Ortiz Patino, has said he is prepared to alter the hole again if Ballesteros wants him too.

But when asked earlier this week about Montgomerie's objections to it, the Spanish star commented: "Have you ever seen Colin Montgomerie happy with anything?

"He's not even happy with the amount of money he's won this year. The 17th is a spectacular hole."

Paul McGinley, despite taking and eight at the 17th on Saturday, held on to 15th potion in the Order of Merit to secure a place in next year's US Open.