Ballesteros launches fundraiser

SEVE Ballesteros is seeking the support of golf clubs and golfers in Scotland in his bid to raise more than £300,000 towards life-saving research into cancers of the brain.

The five-time major winner, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2008 after collapsing at Madrid airport, has launched a new initiative called 'Seve Summer' and is urging clubs in the home of golf to get involved.

"I'm lucky to be alive and owe it all to the vital research carried out by organisations like Cancer Research UK," said the Spaniard. "But there's still a lot more research that can be done into this disease, which affects around 8,000 people in the UK each year, and that's why I'm asking golfers to support 'Seve Summer' and help my Foundation raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK."

As a guide, Ballesteros is suggesting clubs either adding a fund-raising element to a monthly medal or introduce a 'Ballesteros Bunker', where golfers donate to the cause if their ball goes into the dedicated bunker.

• Two-time major champion Sandy Lyle is to make his debut in the De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship at Slaley Hall on 24-27 June.

"The addition of Sandy to the field is great news," said Daniel Hodson, De Vere Director of Golf & Leisure. "The addition of a double Major champion, alongside Ryder Cup legends Ian Woosnam, Sam Torrance and Costantino Rocca as well as defending champion Carl Mason, means Sandy will be in very good company."

• English duo Brian Davis and Matt Richardson both secured spots in next week's US Open at Pebble Beach through the sectional qualifiers but Justin Rose and Rickie Fowler, first and second in the Memorial Tournament last weekend, missed out along with US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin. Former major winners Tom Lehman, Ben Curtis and Davis Love III qualified

Scottish duo Joel Hendry and Russell Knox both failed in their bids for places at the 36-hole sectional qualifiers.

Elgin exile Hendry, a two-time Scottish Youths' champion, hit rounds of 77 and 72 at Roswell in Georgia for a five-over 149 and finished 11th. At Hobe Sound in Florida, Inverness man Knox struggled to a 76 and a 79 for a 155.