Former European Ryder Cup captain Mark James is battling cancer.

James, who lives at Burley in Wharfedale, had hospital checks after suffering a back problem.

It is understood the tests revealed he has a cancer of the lymph nodes.

The 46-year-old was resting at home with his wife Jane yesterday.

He said: "I have had a back problem since the beginning of the year.

"When I got back from holiday at Gleneagles it felt worse. I decided to begin an investigation of these problems.

"As a result, I have withdrawn from my next five tournaments. I am undergoing tests at the moment and until I know something I don't want to comment further."

James came under fire over his book "Into The Bearpit" and his criticism of the Americans' attitude during the Ryder Cup match at Brookline, Boston, last year.

Fellow golfers are keeping their fingers crossed for James.

Darren Clarke said: "With Mark's determination I would not bet against him being back and joining in the scrap for a Ryder Cup place."