Ballesteros out of intensive care

(GETTY IMAGES)

Five-times major winner Seve Ballesteros has been moved out of intensive care and is continuing to recover from surgery on a brain tumour, his hospital said today.

The 51-year-old Spaniard was taken to Madrid's La Paz hospital at the start of October after suffering from dizziness and briefly losing consciousness. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent three operations last month.

"Although it's positive news I ask you to be prudent because the (recovery) process is slow and he will remain in hospital for a while yet," spokeswoman Susana Reverter Vazquez said in a statement.

"He is continuing his rehabilitation and visitors are restricted."

Ballesteros has a tumour that affects two types of brain cell and spreads inside the brain cavity.

He retired from golf last year after winning 87 titles including three British Opens and two US Masters.