Five-time major winner Seve Ballesteros announced his retirement from golf on Monday.
The Spaniard, who won the British Open three times and the US Masters twice, told a news conference at Carnoustie: “This has been the most difficult decision of my life.”
Ballesteros, 50, who underwent hospital tests recently over a minor heart scare, said he had made up his mind only after a failed attempt to play on the US Seniors Tour this year.
“For several months there was something confusing inside. It was an internal fight — my head said I should retire. I kept saying that over and over,” he said.
“My heart kept telling me it would be better to keep playing and compete. So it was difficult for quite a while.
“Finally, I decided to go to try on the Champions Tour (the Seniors Tour in the US).
“So I went there and played one tournament and then I came back. That really made me think... I should retire.”
He continued: “I don’t have the desire any longer. I have worked very hard from morning to night and put all my energy and effort into the game, focused 100 percent and I felt that was enough.
“I have a number of good years left and I’d rather spend time now with my three children and my companies and friends.”