• Golf

Ballesteros' condition has worsened

Seve Ballesteros captained Europe to Ryder Cup victory in 1997 © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Aiken shows benefits of brief break
  
• News: Mickelson jumps into the hunt with ominous 66
  

Seve Ballesteros' family have revealed that his condition has severely worsened.

The golfing great was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008, having collapsed at Madrid Airport in October of that year, and has undergone a series of operations.

His family released a brief statement confirming his condition had worsened and took the opportunity to thank everyone for their support.

"The Ballesteros family informs that Seve's neurological condition has suffered a severe deterioration," read the statement.

"The family will inform accordingly about any change in his health condition and takes this opportunity of thanking everyone for the support that both Seve and his own family have been receiving during all this time.

"They also indicate that they will promptly report on the state of the Spanish champion through the website www.seveballesteros.com."

Ballesteros is one of golf's most recognisable figures, with his flamboyant approach to the game winning him an army of fans. He is the winner of five majors, two Masters titles and three Open Championships, and helped Europe win the Ryder Cup both as a player and captain. Ballesteros, who retired from the game in 2007, won a total of 87 tournaments.

Players, including compatriots Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez, were too emotional to talk as the news spread at the Open de Espana. However, Olazabal's agent Sergio Gomez revealed Ballesteros' daughter had called to pass on the bad news, after the two had met up only two weeks previously.

"Seve's physical condition was not good when José María went to see him, but they talked about golf and everything," Gómez said. "Then came the call yesterday to tell him that Seve was in a critical condition."

He was planning a farewell appearance for British fans at last year's Open at St Andrew's - in the four-hole Champions Challenge - but was not well enough to travel.

Last month, defending champion Phil Mickelson opted for a Spanish menu for the Champions Dinner at The Masters in Augusta in honour of Ballesteros.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.