MADRID, Spain — Golf great Seve Ballesteros was released from intensive care Tuesday following brain surgery on a malignant tumor.

The 51-year-old Spaniard will remain in the hospital to continue rehabilitation following three operations in 18 days. Madrid's La Paz hospital said the healing process is slow and there was no timetable for his release. Restricted visits are being allowed for the first time.

Ballesteros underwent a 6 1/2-hour operation Oct. 24 to remove the tumor and reduce swelling around the brain. He was admitted Oct. 6 after fainting at Madrid's international airport.

Ballesteros, who won a record 50 tournaments on the European tour, called the situation the "hardest challenge of my life."

Ballesteros won the British Open three times and the Masters twice. He is often praised for having transformed European golf and helped Europe beat the United States in the 1985 Ryder Cup to begin two decades of dominance. He also captained Europe to victory in 1997 at Valderrama, Spain.