Ballesteros musters spirit for British Open return

October 15, 2009

The cancer in Seve Ballesteros brain hasnt erased the thoughts of walking down the 18th fairway at St Andrews once again, reliving the glory of one of his most famous wins.

If the Spaniards well-known fighting spirit has anything to say about it, hell be doing just that at next years British Open.

Ballesteros, who continues to recover from the cancer that has left him nearly blind in his left eye, said Wednesday he hopes to show up and play one round at the major next year. It was on the Old Course that he won the 1984 British Open.

Its still a long way before we can make any decisions, Ballesteros said. I would like to show up at St. Andrews this coming year because St. Andrews is a very special place.

The Spaniard spoke briefly to reporters in an appearance to promote the upcoming Volvo Match Play Championship, which he will attend when it is played in Spain for the first time Oct. 29-Nov. 1. Ballesteros charity is linked to the event.

Ballesteros described his recovery as going under par after undergoing numerous operations over the last year to remove a malignant tumor.

He has even managed some golf, saying he played one round with his son Javier. He ended up losing ?6 in that duel, and said he is desperate to win it back.

Thats one of my motivations, Ballesteros said.

Looking gaunt but acting lively as he donned a black baseball cap over his hairless head, the Spaniard likened dealing with the medical treatments to how he famously used to play rescue shots from off the fairway.

He is approaching his chemotherapy sessions as I did many times in tournaments when I had to play between two trees.

A little more difficult, but similar, said Ballesteros, who also won two Masters titles and notched 50 European Tour victories. The worst moments have passed.

At the match play championship, Ballesteros will be joined by Ryder Cup captains Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin at the Finca Cortesin golf course. The 16-man field includes two-time U.S. Open winner Retief Goosen and Sergio Garcia.

Match play is a very special tournament for me, Ballesteros said. Im happy to be here.