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,

Chris Stroud Leads Valero Texas Open After 2nd Round - Yup, That Chris Stroud.

Here's what I know about Chris Stroud, all of which I learned in the last twenty minutes or so. He hails from Georgia. He's on the PGA Tour. Yes he is, I can prove it. He's made 7 of 24 possible cuts this year until today. He went to Lamar University. They are the Lamar University Cardinals. Just what we need in nicknames, more Cardinals. Stroud has earned $129,845.00 on tour this year. His best finish to date is a T12 in the Mayakoba Golf Classic. Yup, I missed that one as well. His next best is a T49 in the Buick Invitational. I caught that one, but missed him. He finished 205th in FedExCup points, which only means you can't send him a COD package. He's 209th on the Tour money list which presents good symetry with his FedEx rating.

If young Mr. Stroud can get all of his butterflies to fly in formation for two more days his life stands to change considerably. Tall order, but it must be exciting for him. His -6, 64 today propelled him to the top of the leader board at the Valero Texas Open, formerly known as the Justin Leonard Invitational. The aforementioned Mr. Leonard's brilliance at this event was mitigated somewhat by a T68 finish after two rounds. Enigmatic Paul Goydos is tied with Tim Pertovic and Tim Herron for 2nd at -8, two back. There's an army of players at -7. So many in fact that I haven't the energy to type their names. Try The Golf Channel.

Good luck Mr. Stroud! That would be a story worth writing about should he hold his position on Sunday. Besides, I'm sure he's a good fellow. Kisses his Mom and all that. The unknowns are always the best stories at the end of the Tour season.

Go Red Sox !!!

Til' next,

Average Golfer Observation.....Who would have guessed that this week's Bubble Boy, #125 on the money list, would be former Masters Champion Zach Johnson?