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Seve Ballesteros has announced plans to play on the US Seniors tour when he turns 50 in April next year.
The five-time major champion has been in semi-retirement in recent years due to persistent back problems.
The Spaniard won 49 times on the European Tour, his last victory coming at the 1995 Spanish Open, but has played only three tournaments in the last three years.
Announcing his plans, Ballesteros told a news conference: "The time has come to decide which direction I am going to take. Recently there has been a lot of speculation about whether I am going to retire or not, so to make it clear I am going to continue.
"I am just going to continue in a slightly different manner. I am going to compete on the Champions Tour in the USA and aim to play 14 tournaments there next year. I will also compete in others such as the British Open and the Masters.
"I will be happy to see all my friends and look forward to having a lot of fun re-connecting with the fans on the Champions Tour."
The three-time Open champion played in the Open for the first time since 2001 at Royal Liverpool last year and missed the cut, but rounds of 74 and 77 were better than many - including himself - expected. He last made the cut at a major championship at the 1996 Masters.
He admits he has no idea how he will perform in his comeback, but insisted: "Effectively I have been retired for the last few years but now is the time to get serious. When I returned at the British Open recently and in the subsequent tournaments I have done better than I expected.
"It's a new challenge and I am confident in my abilities. Only time will tell from here on. Golf is my passion and I miss the competition. It's all very well getting up in the morning, reading the newspaper and having a drink but there is something missing."
As for his troublesome back, Ballesteros added: "Obviously I will have to prepare well and I can't forecast what may happen. I haven't played much of late and my back has been better. It's not 100 percent but then it never has been.
"My plan is to continue playing for another four or five years. That doesn't mean I'll retire then. I could decide to continue further. I just like to set objectives for myself."
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Source: Sky Sports |
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