Seve Ballesteros diagnosed with brain tumor

It’s a very disconcerting day for golf fans, as one of the most important golfers in the last few generations has a huge new challenge ahead. Seve Ballesteros has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

From the Associated Press:

MADRID, Spain – Seve Ballesteros has a brain tumor and will undergo a biopsy Tuesday.

The five-time major winner announced the news Sunday in a statement issued by Madrid’s La Paz Hospital. It was unknown whether the tumor was benign or malignant.

The 51-year-old golfing great was admitted to a hospital for tests after briefly losing consciousness last week. Ballesteros, who made the announcement after telling his three children and their mother, said doctors will decide how to proceed after the biopsy.

“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 the statement.

The former Ryder Cup star, who won a record 50 times on the European tour, also was admitted to a hospital last year and was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.

“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.”

Let this be another encouraging message to Ballesteros. Only a handful of golfers can be given credit for changing the game, and the great Spaniard is truly one of them. We wish he and his family only the best.

–WKW