Golf: Saltman ready for a 'frosty reception' after serving ban

ELLIOT SALTMAN today admitted that he expects a "frosty reception" from some players when he returns to top-flight golf after serving a three-month ban.

But, at the same time, he won't let anyone stand in his way of trying to get the best out of his rookie season on the European Tour.

The 28-year-old was speaking after confirming that he won't be launching an appeal against the ban handed to him by a players' committee a month ago.

"It has been a terrible few months," said Saltman of a situation that stemmed from him being disqualified from the M2M Russian Challenge Cup in September.

"I have worked all my life to be a professional golfer and I love the game. To get my Tour card and then have this happen is unimaginable."

Saltman admitted he'd been hurt by the comments aimed at him since the ban was handed out following a disciplinary hearing in Abu Dhabi.

"To have people who don't know me, and who know nothing about me, go out in the media and question my honesty is really hurtful," he added.

"To be accused of being a cheat is a terrible stigma and, sadly, is one that I will now almost certainly have to carry for the rest of my life. But I am a golfer and I just want to get back out there and play.

"I know there is a lot of sympathy for me amongst the players as well, although I am sure that a few will give me a frosty reception.

"That will be difficult, but I will just have to live with it."

Despite accepting the ban, Saltman remains adamant that he had not broken any rules and had not been guilty of cheating.

He has even gone so far as to pay for a polygraph, or "lie-detector" test, conducted by a recognised expert, which has provided strong backing for his assertion.

However his over-riding desire to put the controversy in the past and get on with the rest of his career has convinced him that the best course of action lies in accepting the fate imposed upon him.

In addition, his legal advisors have advised him of concerns over the likelihood of an appeal success given the current procedures followed by the European Tour that restrict their ability to "proactively and fully put his case".

"I wish to emphasise again that I do not cheat, have never cheated, and do not believe I have done anything wrong," said Saltman in a statement issued yesterday.

"I want to get back to playing as quickly as I can, because playing is the best way to show people that I am not a cheat.

"I love the game of golf and I respect its traditions. I deeply regret any problems the publicity surrounding this matter has brought to the game of golf or to the European Tour.

"I don't cheat, and I don't knowingly break the rules. I hope that I can be allowed to put this deeply unhappy, and in my view unfair, episode behind me and get on with the rest of my career."

In his polygraph test, the Lothians golfer was asked if, during the Russian event, had he incorrectly marked his ball and if, as a professional player, had he ever cheated in a tournament.

To both questions, he answered "no." It is claimed the examiner found no traces of stress in the answers and concluded: "It is my professional opinion that the examinee is truthful."