Madrid - The condition of Spanish golfer Severiano Ballesteros continues to improve three weeks after undergoing brain surgery for the third time within a month and could leave intensive care in the coming week, Madrid's La Paz hospital said Friday.

Ballesteros, 51, underwent a six-hour operation last month to alleviate pressure on his brain and also had a tracheotomy to help him breathe.

The Spaniard, who won five Majors in his career, collapsed on October 6 at Madrid airport and was first operated on eight days later. (dpa)