SANTANDER, Spain (AP) -- Seve Ballesteros remains upbeat and his recuperation after brain surgery is going well according to the brother of the Spanish golf great, who was awarded a distinction by his home province Sunday.

Ballesteros' brother, Baldomero, accepted the province of Cantabria's gold medal for the 51-year-old Ballesteros, who is currently undergoing a second round of chemotherapy following four separate operations on a cancerous brain tumor.

Baldomero said that patience was necessary since his brother's recovery would be a lengthy process.

"It's difficult, but he's doing exercises every day and the doctors are truly surprised," Baldomero was quoted as saying by Spanish media.

Baldomero doubted his brother would fully recover before the end of the summer. "That would be an accomplishment because it's important to take it slowly, with your feet on the ground. His motivation is very high."

Ballesteros said he was "eternally grateful" to the Cantabrian parliament for this "truly special" honor and apologized for not being present.

The five-time major champion was admitted to the hospital on Oct. 6 after fainting at Madrid's international airport. He was released in December and has been undergoing treatment since.

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