MADRID, Oct 12, 2008 (AFP) - Factfile on Seve Ballesteros who was diagnosed with a brain tumour on Sunday:

Seve Ballesteros (Spain)

Date of birth: April 9, 1957

Place of birth: Pedrena, Spain

Residence: Bilbao, Spain

Weight: 13st 3lb (84kg)

Family: Children: Baldomero (1990), Miguel (1992), Carmen (1994)

Interests: Cycling, fishing, gardening

Web Site: www.seveballesteros.com

Total tournament wins: 87

- One of the greats of European golf, having won 87 titles worldwide including three British Opens (1979, 1984 and 1988), and two Masters (1980 and 1983).

- Charismatic presence behind the European revival in the Ryder Cup, winning 20 points from 37 matches against the United States. Played an inspirational role, as captain, in Europe?s retention of the Ryder Cup at Valderrama in 1997.

- One of four brothers - all golf professionals - he learned the game at the age of seven using a cut down three iron on the beach near his home in Santander.

- Exploded into the limelight at the 1976 British Open at Royal Birkdale. Made an emotional return to the British Open at Royal Liverpool in 2006, with his son on the bag.

- Collected the PGA Recognition Award for his outstanding contribution to golf at the end of 2006.