Positive outlook key for Ballesteros

Seve Ballesteros has revealed that treatment for his brain tumour has been tough – but does not want sympathy, insisting: “I’ve had so much luck.”

The three-times Open champion has undergone surgery and chemotherapy after collapsing with a brain tumour last year.

He said: “Patience has never been my strongest point and to spend 22 days in intensive care and 72 days in one room, you need tremendous patience.

“There were times when it was tough. But when things are going wrong you have to think positive.

“Thank God, in my life I have a lot of good things to think about in a positive way – and that’s what I was doing. Life is like sport. You have to fight every day and the key is to never give up.”

The Spaniard, who retired from competitive golf in 2007, revealed in July he wants to make a final major appearance to bid farewell to his fans at next year’s Open – having undergone four bouts of treatment since last October.

And he told commentator Peter Alliss, in a programme to be broadcast on BBC1 on Wednesday, he does not want the pity of the English public.

He explained: “This thing that happened to me is a very little thing compared to other people who have tougher times.

“They didn’t have the opportunity to live life so intensely and as well as I did. I’ve had a very good life.

“I’m sure that some people will feel sorry for me or maybe cry when they see this programme. But I feel very happy and a very lucky person because throughout my life I have had so many great moments and I feel I have lived two or three more lives than the average person.

“I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. I’ve had so much luck and so much fun for so many years.”