However, O’Grady delivered a positive update on Ballesteros’ condition after speaking with the Spaniard’s brother.

O’Grady said: “It was a long operation – some statements say 12 hours but we’ve been told by the family seven hours – and we believe it has been successful.

“It has got to be checked through later but his brother has phoned to tell us it was very successful.

“He has regained consciousness and is in intensive care. If any man can come through this it will be him.”

The operation on Ballesteros, who collapsed at Madrid Airport early last week, passed without complications according to La Paz Hospital in the Spanish capital.

Their statement did not say whether the tumour was found to be malignant or benign and Ballesteros will not be able to receive visits until he recovers from the surgical process in a few days’ time.

“The next medical report will be given when the patient moves to the ward, which will probably be next week,” the statement continued.

Ballesteros had been expected to undergo only a biopsy yesterday but Spanish newspaper Marca reported doctors decided to operate because of the seriousness of the situation.

The three-time Open champion quit the sport last year after back problems contributed to a sharp decline in his game. He was also found to have an irregular heartbeat when admitted to hospital shortly before his retirement announcement.

Ballesteros had issued his own statement on Sunday evening thanking all his fans for their messages of support.

That has included many of the players who are the stars of golf today and were inspired to take up the sport by his thrilling five major victories, his climb to the world number one spot and his role in making the Ryder Cup the spectacle it now is.