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Ballesteros Diagnosed with Brain Tumor

Spanish golfing great Seve Ballesteros says he is preparing for the "hardest challenge" of his life after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. The 51-year-old, who retired last year, is slated to undergo a biopsy Tuesday to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.

Last week Ballesteros was briefly admitted to Hospital La Paz in Madrid after losing consciousness; doctors later found the tumor. "I inform you that after an exhaustive check, that was realized, a brain tumor has been detected," Ballesteros said in a statement issued by the hospital.

"During my career I was one of the best at getting around obstacles on golf courses. Now I want to be the best at confronting the most difficult match of my life with all my strength, and counting on all of you who are sending encouraging messages," he said.

"I have always felt very close to people who suffer serious illness, even more severe than mine. I want to remind them that with courage, faith, serenity, confidence and a lot of mental strength we have to face every situation no matter how difficult it is. I want to thank from the bottom of my heart all those people who have shown affection and interest in my state of health, with all kinds of support."

His close friend and fellow Spaniard, Jose Maria Olazabal, visited Ballesteros in the hospital. "I saw Seve looking very well. We were speaking for quite a little while. I wish him a prompt recovery," Olazabal said.

Ballesteros collapsed unconscious last week and was taken to the hospital where he remained in intensive care while doctors conducted tests. The statement noted that he suffered "a partial epileptic fit," but said he had left intensive care and was in "a stable condition."

Last week he posted a reassuring message on his personal website that indicated he was "feeling very well" as he waited for test results. In his latest statement, Ballesteros said he waited to make the tumor diagnosis public after he had first personally informed his three teenaged children, including two who were out of the country, and his ex-wife.

His family flew to Madrid this weekend to be by his side, Spanish media reported.

It's not the first time Ballesteros has suffered health problems. Last year doctors discovered he was suffering from an irregular heartbeat, a condition which his manager said at the time was not serious.

Ballesteros ruled golf during the last two decades of the 20th century. He won the British Open in 1979, 1984 and '88 and became the first European to win the Masters in 1980; he donned another green jacket in 1983. In all, Ballesteros racked up 87 international titles before knee and back problems forced him to retire in 2007.

The dashing Spaniard probably received his most fame by reversing the fortunes of the European team in the biennial Ryder Cup. He won 20 points over 37 matches and captained Europe to victory at Valderrama in 1997.

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