Spanish Golf Legend Severiano Ballesteros Dies at 54

A January 14 2007 file photo of Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros raises the trophy to celebrate Europe`s win over the Asian team during The Royal Trophy Europe vs Asia golf championship in Thailand. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Golfing legend Severiano Ballesteros died early on Saturday at his home in northern Spain following a long-term brain tumour illness. He was 54.

"Today, at 2.10 a.m. Spanish time, Seve Ballesteros passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Pedrena. The Ballesteros family is very grateful for all the support and gestures of love that have been received since Seve was diagnosed with a brain tumor," said a message on his website Saturday.

Ballesteros was diagnosed with a brain tumor after losing consciousness at Madrid Airport on October 5, 2008.

In late 2008, he reportedly was recovering from the tumor. Ballesteros was released from a hospital after several operations.

At the time, he called situation the "hardest challenge of my life."

He posted a message on his personal website to thank the doctors at Madrid's Universitario La Paz hospital for the treatment.

"Thanks to them I will be able to play the mulligan of my life, which I expect to enjoy at my best," Ballesteros said at the time.

Ballesteros had won a record 50 tournaments on the European Tour before retiring 2007.

A three-time British Open champion and two-time Masters champion, he helped beat the United States in the 1985 Ryder Cup to begin two decades of dominance.

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