• Open Championship

Ballesteros set to return at St Andrews

ESPN staff
April 28, 2010
Seve Ballesteros won the first of his five major titles at the 1979 Open at Royal Lytham © Getty Images
Enlarge

Seve Ballesteros looks set for a return to golf at St Andrews in a past champions' tournament on the eve of the Open Championship.

The five-time major champion, who is still recovering from chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008, is reported to have accepted an invitation to play in a four-hole challenge on July 14 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first Open. However, it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard's health will allow him to return to the course where he won his second Open in 1984.

Chief executive of the Royal and Ancient Club, Peter Dawson, said: "Seve was the earliest of the past champions to come forward with his hotel requirements. His charity foundation has intimated that he is keen to be here."

Organisers have invited 32 former Open champions to the event, but are yet to hear back from fans' favourites Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. Nicklaus intimated earlier this month he would only attend the challenge if RBS, his sponsors, asked to do so, while two-time Open champion Norman recently had shoulder surgery. Of the other previous winners invited, Nick Price, Johnny Miller and Kel Nagle have all declined their invitations.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices