Golf: December 5, 2006

Seve Ballesteros is heading back to professional golf, and he will compete in the Masters and British Open next year. Ballesteros, a five-time major winner, said Monday that he also wants to join the Champions Tour. -- Kansas City Star

Sponsorship finally reached one of the oldest sports organizations in the country, with the U.S. Golf Association announcing a multiyear deal today that will make American Express its first corporate partner. -- PGA.com

Paul Stankowski, Glen Day, Bob May, Jonathan Kaye and Dicky Pride were among the veterans who earned their 2007 PGA Tour cards, while Duffy Waldorf, Skip Kendall, Lee Janzen and Scott Dunlap were among those earning status on the Nationwide Tour. -- PGA.com

Steven Bowditch of Australia, who has struggled with clinical depression the last two years and had a disastrous start to the 2006 season that include thoughts of suicide, was trying to get back to the PGA Tour next year. Instead, Bowditch finished back in the pack at the PGA Tour qualifying tournament and didn't improve on the full Nationwide Tour status he already owned. -- The Desert Sun

Dunbar Golf Club near St. Andrews in Scotland has been named as the third and final qualifying venue for the 2007 Senior British Open, officials have announced. The tournament is set for July 26-29 at Muirfield Golf Club in Scotland. -- PGA.com