GOLFING GREATS lined up yesterday to wish Seve Ballesteros well after hearing he will not be at St Andrews for the British Open next month.

Ballesteros, whose life was saved by surgery after the discovery of a brain tumour 20 months ago, was hoping to play in the eve-of-championship four-hole Champions Challenge.

It would have been an emotional return to the scene of his 1984 victory but the 53-year-old has accepted doctor’s advice not to subject himself to emotional stress.

Ballesteros said on his website: “I very much wanted to be at the British Open in St Andrews next month to personally thank all the golf fans and friends who have given me their support.

“I am aware that there might be people who have been preparing their trip to encourage and cheer me up. Hence, I do not want to disappoint anyone at the last minute and after listening to the doctors’ advice I have taken the difficult decision not to travel.”

Nick Faldo, who was hoping to partner Ballesteros in the competition, commented: “I think I will try to call him as soon as possible – he must be rough. I tried to see him in November and he said ‘I’m not good enough for that’. I said to him ‘let’s go putting – at least we can do that’. It’s a real shame and I send all my messages for the universe for him. I want to see him.”

Ernie Els, like Faldo playing at the BMW International Open in Munich, added: “He’s the greatest and it’s a shame. Hopefully he will be fine.” Sergio Garcia stated: “It’s a tough illness. It’s obviously disappointing – we were hoping he was getting better.”

Ballesteros had undergone tests this week at the Madrid hospital where the brain surgery was carried.