Seve to miss St Andrews

By Dave Tindall Last updated: 23rd June 2010

Following medical advice, Seve Ballesteros has decided not to travel to next month's Open Championship at St Andrews.

A message on the Spaniard's website, www.seveballesteros.com, said: "Having considered the advice of the doctors' team, Severiano Ballesteros has decided not to travel to Scotland for the British Open taking place at St Andrews in July.

"Yesterday, June 22nd, Severiano Ballesteros visited his doctors at La Paz Hospital in Madrid. During his visit, Severiano Ballesteros underwent some tests which he repeats every three months. These check-ups are routine and monitor the progress of the Spanish athlete following his diagnosis of a brain tumor in October 2008.

"The medical team, who are responsible for Severiano Ballesteros have informed him this morning that at this time he should not put himself under any undue stress or in potentially emotional situations. It is for this reason that they have advised him against travelling to St Andrews.

The website then quotes the oncologist, Dr. Belda, who looks after Seve at La Paz hospital. He states: "Despite the excellent general state that Mr. Ballesteros enjoys, we do not think the trip to Scotland, this coming July, would be appropriate. It is important that Mr. Ballesteros continues with a peaceful life and our advice has been not to travel to Scotland."

Of his decision to miss the trip to Scotland, Ballesteros tells his website: "I very much wanted to be at The British Open in St Andrews next month to personally thank all the golf fans and friends who have given me their support, not only during these two years, when I have been recovering from my illness but also to thank them for the affection they have shown during my golf career.

"I am aware that there might be people who have been preparing their trip to encourage and cheer me up. Hence, I do not want to disappoint anyone at the last minute and after listening to the doctors' advice I have taken the difficult decision not to travel to St Andrews."

The message concludes by saying Seve "is resting and continuing with his recovery process at his home in Pedreņa, Spain."

Dave Tindall