Seve Ballesteros Leaves Madrid Hospital

In what has to be some of the best news of the 2008 golf year, golf icon Seve Ballesteros was released from LaPaz hospital in Madrid yesterday after undergoing extensive surgery for a malignant brain tumor. Balllesteros , in a statement posted on his website said of his neurosurgeons, “Thanks to them I will be able to play the mulligan of my life, which I expect to enjoy at my best.”He additionally thanked the hospital staff and well-wishers that responded to his plight 66 days ago.

Ballesteros was stricken on Oct. 6 with a fainting spell at Madrid's international airport. Subsequently he's endured four individual operations to remove the tumor and relieve swelling around his brain. An arduous 6 1/2 hour surgery was performed on Oct. 24 to remove the insidious infiltrator. Ballesteros added, “Occasionally I was a rebel patient and therefore I ask them to forgive me and thank everyone for all the cares received.”

The five time major champion is one of, if not the most, charismatic golfer of the modern game. His style and panache were unmatched during his playing days, perhaps none more so than his playing a shot from the parking lot on the 16th hole during the 1979 British open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Seve had a car moved to execute his 2nd shot which landed 15 feet from the pin. Naturally he sunk the putt for birdie and carried on to win his 1st of three Open Championships.

Ballesteros also renewed the rivalry what had been an American avalanche in the Ryder Cup. He was influential in including continental Europe in the proceedings and beat the US in 1985 to start off a European string of dominance in the event.

Seve officially retired from competitive golf in 2007 due to lingering back problems.

Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery to a man that's impacted the sport of golf as few have.

Til' next,

Ballesteros Having 3rd Surgery.

Reportedly, as this is being posted, golf great Seve Ballesteros will be undergoing his 3rd brain surgery after the discovery of a brain tumor. This third procedure is designed to remove the remaining parts of the malignant growth deep inside his brain. LaPaz Hospital in Madrid, the treating facility, described the surgery as being "of great complexity". The previous two surgeries were to identify the tumor and relieve pressure.

Seve was admitted to the hospital on Oct. 6 and ten days later a good size portion of the growth was removed. Before today's operation his condition was portrayed as stable, but serious.

The entire golf world is rallied around Seve in hopes of his recovery. Let's join the concerned and wish for a complete comeback for one of golf's more revered icons.

Buena suerte Seve.

Til' next,

Ballesteros Reported Stable After Brain Surgery

Madrid, Spain - Seve Ballesteros, Spanish golf legend, is in stable condition following a 12 hour surgery to remove a brain tumor, his Spanish doctors reported today. The 51 year old has been hospitalized since last week after suffering dizziness and loss of consciousness. "The operation, with the objective of a resection of the detected brain tumor, started at 9:00 AM and concluded without complications," a statement from LaPaz Hospital read.

A resection serves to remove as much of the tumor as possible before the next line of treatment, either radiation or chemotherapy. The results of the intended biopsy were not immediately released. The hospital added that Ballesteros was conscious, in stable condition, and had been moved to the intensive care unit.

Seve has won five major championships including three Open Championships and two Masters championships. His tremendous appeal has any fans of golf worldwide wishing and praying for his recovery.

Til' next,

Seve Ballesteros Says He Has a Brain Tumor.

Seve Ballesteros, one of golf's most endearing legends, has announced he was diagnosed with a

brain tumor. A biopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine a course of action to attack the intruder. Ballesteros was quoted as saying on today he was in for the "hardest challenge" of his life. "Once I had been able to inform my three children personally and their mother, I can now communicate to you the illness I am suffering from," Ballesteros said. "After an in-depth check up which has been carried out on me in the La Paz Hospital they have detected a brain tumor."

Seve had been admitted to the hospital last Monday after having lost consciousness. The Tuesday procedure should give his doctors a much better idea as to the extent of the danger and a plan on how to procede. In true Seve spirit he issued this quote as well....."I have always shown my solidarity with those people who face illness, including those whose (illnesses) are much worse than mine, now my wish is to ask for respect towards my family and especially my children. We will keep you informed."

Known for inimitable panache and style, one can just picture Seve giving this illness the fight of it's life rather than his. Ballesteros imagination, passion, and emotion on the golf course will serve him well in this battle. Let's all say a prayer for his speedy and complete recovery. If you don't pray, then do whatever you do to send best wishes his way.

Zach Johnson Rustles Valero Texas Open

After a mediocre year at best by his standards, Zach Johnson, former Masters champ, captured the Valero Texas Open today and ensured himself a spot in Maui this January. His 64 today left him at -19 for the tourney, a two shot cushion. This was Johnson's 4th tour win. He survived Charlie Wi's final round phenomenal 61 that left him in a three way tie for 2nd with Marc Wilson and Tim Wilkinson at -17. Justin Leonard, four time winner of the event and defending champion, ended his weekend in a tie for 11th spot.

Kudos to Johnson, one of the tour's good guys. Next up for the tour boys is the Justin Timberlake, Shriners Hospitals For Children Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, NV. That's the 2008 winner for longest tournament name. Wish it had an acronym.

Til' next,