12 Nov 2009

Seve to be honoured by R and A

11:49 am on 12 November 2009

The Spanish golfing great Seve Ballesteros has been given honorary membership of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews.

The 52-year-old, who overcame a brain tumour that required four operations, is synonymous with the Old Course, having won The Open there in 1984.

He plans to return to the home of golf in 2010 when The Open Championship celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Ballesteros was diagnosed with a brain tumour after losing consciousness at Madrid airport in October 2008.

In addition to the extensive surgery to remove the tumour and reduce swelling in his skull he has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy.

Earlier this year he launched the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, an organisation which aims to aid research into cancer, particularly brain tumours.

The legendary Spaniard won three Open titles between 1979 and 1988 and captured the coveted US Masters at Augusta twice in 1980 and 1983.