Ballesteros also withdrew from the Volvo PGA at Wentworth with flu

The 46-year-old Spaniard issued a statement through his brother Baldomero Ballesteros, revealing he was pulling out for the second year in a row on medical advice.

"My brother's absence from this great golf event is due only and exclusively to his physical condition," said Baldomero Ballesteros.

"At the suggestion of his physician Seve is enjoying a necessary rest to prevent his back spasms which he has been suffering lately with bigger intensity and to avoid him any further discomfort."

It has been a difficult year for Ballesteros, who has not played since the Benson and Hedges International Open in May.

The golfer, who has won 87 titles worldwide, found himself embroiled in a row with the PGA European tour after altering his scorecard at the Italian Open.

Seve fined for outburst

The fallout from the dispute, coupled with a serious dip in form, appear to have made Ballesteros reluctant to return to the tour.

His brother, however, was quick to quash rumours that the row with the PGA had anything to do with his decision not to take part in the Open.

"Any misinterpretation, like connecting his non-participation with other matters like specific disagreements with the European Tour referees or else noting that he does not feel supported by his fellow golfers or friends in the tour deserves not only rejection, but total discredit to those who sign such mere speculations," said Balderomo.

The Spaniard's no-show in Sandwich will be a disappointment to British golf fans as Ballesteros has won the Open three times, in 1979, 1984 and 1988.