Golfing great Seve Ballesteros has brain tumor

[October 13, 2008]  MADRID, Spain (AP) -- After an illustrious career marked by nearly as many achievements as unimaginable golf shots -- including an unforgettable one from a parking lot during his first British Open win, Seve Ballesteros was preparing for the "hardest challenge" of his life Sunday after learning he has a brain tumor.

A five-time major winner, the 51-year-old Ballesteros was set to undergo a biopsy Tuesday before doctors would determine how to proceed. He was admitted to a hospital Monday after briefly losing consciousness.

"Once I had been able to inform my three children personally and their mother, I can now communicate to you the illness I am suffering from. After an in-depth check up which has been carried out on me in the La Paz Hospital they have detected a brain tumor," Ballesteros said in a statement released by Madrid's La Paz hospital.

Ballesteros did not give any more details on the test results. It was unknown whether the tumor was benign or malignant.

"I have always shown my solidarity with those people who face illness, including those whose (illnesses) are much worse than mine," said Ballesteros, who was also admitted to a hospital last year when doctors discovered an irregular heartbeat.

"Now my wish is to ask for respect towards my family and especially my children. We will keep you informed."

Ballesteros played his whole career as if he had something to prove and the effects have shaped European golf today.

The swashbuckling Spaniard was well known for being able to manufacture a shot from just about anywhere, a feat that earned him the title "Car Park Champion" at the 1979 British Open. The Pedrena native found the green from a parking lot next to the 16th fairway at Royal Lytham & St. Annes before sinking a long birdie putt on his way to his first major title.

During that final round, he used his driver only nine times and hit the fairway once.

"Throughout my career I have been among the best at overcoming challenges on the golf course," Ballesteros said. "Now I want to be the best confronting the hardest challenge of my life, with all my strength, counting on all of you who are sending me encouraging messages."

Jose Maria Olazabal, who visited Ballesteros after playing at the Madrid Masters on Sunday, said that his former Ryder Cup partner appeared in good physical shape.

"I saw Seve looking very well. We were speaking for quite a little while," Olazabal told Spanish news agency Efe. "I wish him a prompt recovery."

Ballesteros, who won a record 50 times on the European tour, won the British Open three times and the Masters twice before retiring last year due to a long history of back pain. He has since focused mostly on golf course design.

Many credit Ballesteros' spirit and flare on the golf course for transforming the European game.

When the Ryder Cup competition was expanded to include continental Europe in 1979, Ballesteros helped beat the United States in 1985 to begin two decades of dominance. He also captained Europe to Ryder Cup victory on home soil in 1997 at Valderrama.

Ballesteros and Olazabal teamed up to produce the most formidable partnership in Ryder Cup history, with an 11-2-2 record.

Tuesday's test results will dictate just how formidable Ballesteros' next hurdle is.

"Finally, I want to thank for the bottom of my heart everyone who has shown interest with great fondness for my health, showing all sorts of support. Many thanks. A big hug," Ballesteros finished.

[Associated Press; By PAUL LOGOTHETIS]

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