Seve Ballesteros' condition has improved as he remains in Madrid's La Paz hospital recovering from brain surgery. Ballesteros last week underwent a lengthy procedure to alleviate pressure on the brain caused by an edema and to remove remaining tumour tissues.

A statement from the La Paz hospital on Wednesday said: "The patient Mr Severiano Ballesteros has a favourable trend in his neurological status, but needs to be further controlled in the Intensive Care Unit."

Ballesteros, the 51-year-old five-time major winner, was diagnosed with a tumour earlier this month and before Friday's surgery he had already undergone two operations — the second to reduce swelling on the brain.