File photo: Seve Ballesteros, the legendary five-time major winning golfer

Spanish golf hero Severeano Ballesteros has died at the age of 54 after losing his fight against cancer, the Guardian reports.

A?statement on the golfer's official website said: "Today, at 2.10am Spanish time, Seve Ballesteros passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Pedre?a."

"The Ballesteros family is very grateful for all the support and gestures of love that have been received since Seve was diagnosed with a brain tumour on 5th October 2008 at Madrid Hospital la Paz."

"At this time the family asks for respect and privacy at such a painful time. Thank you very much."

Ballesteros was diagnosed with two malignant brain tumours in 2008.

The Spaniard was born near Santander in the north of Spain. Before officially retiring from professional golf in 2007, he had won five majors. Ballesteros won the British Open in 1979, 1984 and 1988. The U.S. Open in 1987 and the U.S. Masters in 1980 and 1983.