Golf great Seve Ballesteros dies at 54

FILE - In this May 18, 2007 file photo, Seve Ballesteros smiles before teeing off on the first hole during the Regions Charity Classic golf tournament at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Hoover, Ala. Five-time major champion Seve Ballesteros has suffered "a severe deterioration" in his neurological condition, the family of the 54-year-old Spanish great said on Friday May 6, 2011.(AP Photo / Rob Carr, File)

Spanish golfing legend Severiano Ballesteros died on Saturday aged 54 from cancer, his family said.

The five—time major winner was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2008 and underwent several operations as well as numerous courses of chemotherapy.

In a statement posted on his official website, the family said that Ballesteros had passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Pedrena.

“The Ballesteros family is very grateful for all the support and gestures of love that have been received since Seve was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

“At this time the family asks for respect and privacy at such a painful time.” Ballesteros first burst onto the international golfing scene as a 19—year—old when he led the British Open for three rounds before finally finishing second behind Johnny Miller.

He went on to win the tournament three times and in 1980 became the first European — and at the time youngest — player to win the Masters in Augusta.

The Spaniard played a major role in bringing European success to the Ryder Cup and played on eight teams and was also a non—playing captain.