Ballesteros reveals brain tumour

Eurosport - Tue, 14 Oct 11:50:00 2008

Five-times Major winner Seve Ballesteros said tests carried out over the last few days have revealed he has a brain tumour.

GOLF Severiano Ballesteros Seve jugador de golf - 0

"After being able to notify my three children personally and their mother I can inform you of my illness," Ballesteros said. "After exhaustive checks at the hospital they have detected a brain tumour."

Ballesteros will undergo a biopsy on Tuesday after which doctors will decide how to proceed.

The 51-year-old Spaniard was taken to Madrid's La Paz hospital on Monday after collapsing unconscious. Hospital officials then released a statement on Friday confirming that Ballesteros had suffered "a partial epileptic fit" but said he had left intensive care and was in "a stable condition".

"Throughout my career I have been one of the best at overcoming obstacles on a golf course. Now I want to be the best, taking on the toughest match of my life," he added. "I have always felt solidarity with those facing illnesses, many who were much older than me.

"I want to recall their bravery, belief, calmness, confidence and great mental strength we need to confront these situations however difficult they may be.

"I want to thank from the very bottom of my heart all those people interested in my state of health with many different types of support."

Two-times US Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal visited Ballesteros in hospital.

"Aside from the logical concern, Seve was very well. We had a long chat," he said. "I wish him a quick recovery."

Another Spanish golfer Miguel Angel Jimenez, who like Olazabal had been competing at the Madrid Masters said: "Seve, we love you. Everyone hopes you recover as soon as possible and we look forward to seeing you again soon."

Ballesteros won the US Masters in 1980 and 1983 and was the Open champion in 1979, 1984 and 1988.

Reuters

Comment 48 - 67 of 67

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  1. Love ya Seve. Get well soon mate, from all of England and the US.

    From , on Tue 14 Oct 7:00PM

  2. A great golfing hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Seve. Get well soon.

    From Richard E, on Tue 14 Oct 6:14PM

  3. The best modern day european golfer ive ever seen,King Seve.
    Your in all ur thoughts and prayers.Wishes to all your loved ones and friends,i know you ll concur this,

    From richard wyatt, on Tue 14 Oct 4:10PM

  4. Reading all these heart felt comments of support for Seve, I feel compelled to pass on my best wishes to Seve and his family at this difficult time and hope he makes a full and speedy recovery. As like many others I feel as if I know Seve personally. On the few occassions I have met him he has been a true gentleman. He is a fantastic ambassador for a fantastic sport and long may he continue to be so.

    From nick.carter74, on Tue 14 Oct 3:58PM

  5. Get well soon Seve.....
    A true legend to look up too....
    I'm sure all of Ireland wishes you a speedy recovery.
    Des

    From desmulhare, on Tue 14 Oct 9:36AM

  6. Seve,you have never come across as an arrogant sportsman-you have behaved impeccably as a true great and ambassador for sport.I wish you a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with you and your family.

    From lee271@..., on Mon 13 Oct 9:30PM

  7. Like many others, I have never used this Forum. None of us who watched, on TV or on site, Seve's first win in the Open Championship will ever forget it. I was at St. Andrews at the 18th green when he made that putt for birdie and beat Tom Watson in 1984. He is definitely one of my golf heroes.

    He has vowed to win this match and I believe he will - legends should not be taken from us so early. All the very best, Seve - get well soon. Our prayers are with you.

    Kwan C

    From aminona, on Mon 13 Oct 5:50PM

  8. A get well wish from a fellow golfer, who has watched Seve over the years.

    G-d speed

    From lloydb, on Mon 13 Oct 5:17PM

  9. I too never comment on this site, but I feel moved to wish Seve a speedy recovery from his current problem. I know, that with his mental strength, and his ability to get out of all sorts of situations, he will conquer these problems. We all wish him well, a true gentleman and ambassador for sport, not just golf. As someone else said, he is a true inspiration. Best wishes to Seve and his family.

    Neil T

    From netaylor@..., on Mon 13 Oct 4:04PM

  10. First time I have used this forum. I feel I have to make comment today.
    Seve, you are certainly one of my all time idols in sport and life.
    Your are one of the main reasons I play golf.
    My late Granmother brought me back an instruction video of yours when I was about 8. Now I believe, after over 20 years of playing, you are perhaps one of the main reasons I probably never take the percentage option!
    I thank you for that and all the wonderful memories of you from early Open days through to the amazing 1997 Ryder Cup Captain success story. You are a true inspiration to many in golf and all sports.
    My thoughts also are with all family and friends.
    Best wishes for a quick and speedy recovery. Mike H.

    From mikehouston@..., on Mon 13 Oct 3:57PM

  11. I am Lucky enough to of made a career in golf as a PGA Golf Professional, my children both play, i teach juniors of all ages and around 50 individual lessons per week, i am lucky and proud of my career and The reason i Work in golf is due to one man
    Seve,
    You are the reason i started playing and the reason i can get up and down from everywhere, even up tree's !!!!! you are my Legend
    Best of luck Seve, Can't wait to see you out there playing again soon
    Kevin Caplehorn
    PGA Golf Professional

    From caplehorns@..., on Mon 13 Oct 2:02PM

  12. When people think of great golfers, they think of Seve. I truly hope he can beat this illness.

    From william h, on Mon 13 Oct 11:11AM

  13. I rarely post comments on here but must add my support for Seve.

    An inspiration to millions and a true gentleman

    I wish Seve a full and speedy recovery

    From ralphfuk, on Mon 13 Oct 10:37AM

  14. one of the great competitors of our time, haveing watched you play several times espacially off the car park ashphalt, out of traps, from behind trees, over parked vehicles and succefully executed some absolutly almost immposible shots i believe theres is nothing that you cant do, Harry Houdini could never pull off the magic that you achieved and your the epitomy of theres no such thing as cant do or beat. Get well soon we all love you.
    steve f.

    From steve f, on Mon 13 Oct 10:35AM

  15. Not only the golfing world but all sports fans will wish Seve a speedy recovery. One of the all time greats,could give the Yanks a bit of needle, but what a great player

    From neathguard8 skewen, on Mon 13 Oct 9:43AM

  16. Best wishes to my all time greatest sportsman.

    From belmontk, on Mon 13 Oct 9:40AM

  17. you have been an inspiration to all of us who play this great game of golf with your steel,grit and determination.I WISH YOU WELL in your battle to regain full fitness and look forward to seeing you again out on the course.

    From cap6662, on Mon 13 Oct 8:18AM

  18. I had a brain tumour in 1992 and it was successfuly removed - so keep positive seve

    From conniepearce@..., on Mon 13 Oct 8:14AM

  19. A true gent and a true great of golf

    From guss_m, on Mon 13 Oct 8:12AM

  20. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. John Riddle, Sports Editor.

    From John R, on Mon 13 Oct 8:07AM
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