SEVE BALLESTEROS made a rare public appearance yesterday and looked frail and unsteady as he continued his recovery from a life-threatening brain tumour.

Attending the presentation of Madrid’s bid to host the 2018 Ryder Cup, the five-time major winner was hesitant on his feet as he was helped on to the stage for a lengthy standing ovation, but was able to make an energetic plea in support of the city’s candidacy.

Sweden, Netherlands, Portugal, Germany and France are the other nations in the running, with the winning bid to be decided in April 2011.

Dressed in dark trousers and a black sports jacket, Ballesteros (52), looked back at his days as a Ryder Cup player and captain and said he was sure Madrid had the most complete bid.

“Spanish professional golfers have been the heart of European golf for many years and, in the same way, we’ve been the heart of the Ryder Cup for many years,” he told the audience of several hundreds.

“Madrid is the best and most modern capital to host the 2018 Cup.

“If I didn’t think we were going to win I wouldn’t be here with you today.

“We’ll get it because we’re the best,” the Spaniard added.

Ballesteros is among 32 former champions who have been invited to play four holes at St Andrews on July 14th, the day before the 150th anniversary British Open.

He also believes Tiger Woods can make a winning return to golf at the US Masters in a fortnight.

“I am pleased to see that Tiger Woods made the decision to come back and has finally decided to compete.

“I think that this is the best news that golf can have right now and I wish him good luck.

“He has a good chance to win the Masters this year, of course.

“If he decides to compete in the Masters it is because he knows that he has a good chance.

“We all know his potential and he knows the golf course very well, so I think he has a great chance to win.”