Spanish · San Sebastián, Spain · Born 5 February 1966Spanish professional golfer who won two Masters titles and later captained Europe to a dramatic Ryder Cup comeback win in 2012.
José María Olazábal Manterola was born on 5 February 1966 in Hondarribia, in Spain's Basque Country, and won The Amateur Championship at just 18 in 1984 before turning professional the following year, winning the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award. Olazábal, nicknamed "Ollie," spent more than 300 weeks inside the world's top ten between 1989 and 1995, and won his first Masters title in 1994, adding a second Green Jacket in 1999 to become only the second Spaniard, after his close friend and idol Seve Ballesteros, to win multiple Masters titles. Olazábal became renowned for one of the finest short games in golf history, and formed a legendary Ryder Cup partnership with Ballesteros, representing Europe across seven editions of the competition between 1987 and 2006 without ever losing a foursomes or fourball match together. Olazábal captained the victorious European team at the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah, orchestrating what became known as the "Miracle at Medinah" comeback. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2009, and has continued competing on the senior tours while remaining involved in Ryder Cup leadership as a vice-captain.
Two Masters titles, 2012 winning Ryder Cup captain
How They Played
Exceptional short game and putting, precise iron play
Lasting Impact
One of Europe's greatest golfers and inspirational Ryder Cup captain
Career Honours
- Masters Tournament 1994, 1999
- Ryder Cup winning captain 2012
- seven Ryder Cup playing appearances
Spanish Athletes