Spain's golfing great Ballesteros is released from intensive care following brain surgery

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 18:39 EST, 21 November 2008

Five-time major winner Seve Ballesteros was released from intensive care on Tuesday following brain surgery on a tumor.

Madrid's La Paz hospital said in a statement that Ballesteros would remain in hospital 'to continue his rehabilitation' following three surgeries in 18 days.

It remained cautious over releasing a time frame for his exit after a complicated surgery, saying only that the healing 'process is slow' and that Ballesteros would remain in the hospital for some time.

Seve Ballesteros has been released from intensive care

Restricted visits were being allowed for the first time.

The 51-year-old underwent a lengthy six-and-a-half hour operation on October 24 to reduce pressure on his brain, caused by an oedema, and to remove remaining tumour tissues following two previous operations.

He was admitted on October 6 after fainting at Madrid's international airport.

Ballesteros, who won a record 50 tournaments on the European tour, called the situation the 'hardest challenge of my life.'

Ballesteros, a winner of three Open Championships and two Masters trophies in glittering career, is often praised for having transformed European golf.

He helped Europe beat the United States in the 1985 Ryder Cup, which set up two decades of dominance.

He also captained Europe to victory on home soil at Valderrama in 1997.