Ballesteros receives honorary membership from Royal & Ancient GC

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland -- Three-time British Open champion Seve Ballesteros has accepted honorary membership of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews almost a year after undergoing multiple operations to remove a malignant brain tumor.

The 52-year-old Spaniard won the 1984 Open title at the home of golf to go with two triumphs at Royal Lytham & St. Annes in 1979 and 1988. He also has two Masters titles.

He said Tuesday the outstanding moment of his career was at St. Andrews, where his fist-pump to celebrate his winning birdie putt at the final hole is one of golf's most memorable images.

He hopes to return next year for the 150th anniversary of the Open.

Ballesteros underwent four operations between October and December last year.

"I am greatly honored," Ballesteros said. "I have had, perhaps, the outstanding moment of my career at St Andrews (his second Claret Jug in 1984 when he birdied the last) and the town will always retain a very special place close to my heart. "

He joins a list that includes the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of York, former American president George Herbert Walker Bush, Tony Jacklin, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Peter Thomson, Lee Trevino, Roberto De Vicenzo and Tom Watson.

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