A back injury has prevented Ballesteros from playing in 2004

Ballesteros became the first European to win at Augusta in 1980, a success that prompted a glorious run of success for European golfers at the Masters.

But Ballesteros, who won his second Masters in 1983, told BBC Sport there is little chance of Europe winning its first major since 1999.

He said: "I see only three guys: Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and Davis Love III."

With no players in the world's top 10 and without a major victory since Paul Lawrie's at Carnoustie five years ago, European golf is looking for a modern-day Ballesteros to lift the gloom, particularly in a Ryder Cup year.

When I look back at my career I would say that the 1980 Masters was my best performance in a major Seve Ballesteros Seve's Augusta memories

But Ballesteros, who captained Europe to Ryder Cup success in 1997, said: "To win at Augusta you need to be long, you need to be a good iron player and you need to have a good short game and hot putter.

"I don't see many Europeans with a good chance because at the moment they are not playing very well."

Ballesteros' inspirational victory in 1980 was all the more dramatic as it came at the age of 23 - making him the youngest Masters champion until Tiger Woods claimed the 1997 title at 21.

Prior to 1980, only South African Gary Player had broken the American stranglehold at Augusta. But after 1980, European golfers, including Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, would win nine of the next 16 Masters Tournaments.

"When I look back at my whole career I would say that the 1980 Masters was my best performance in a major. I was 10 shots clear with nine to play, I dominated," said Ballesteros, who also won three Open titles.

Ballesteros, who is not playing at Augusta for the first time since 1977 because of a back injury, will be providing expert analysis for the BBC's television coverage of the 2004 Masters.