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Golf Biography

José María Olazábal

“Ollie”

Spanish flag Spanish · San Sebastián, Spain · Born 5 February 1966

Professional Golfer

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Spanish professional golfer who won two Masters Tournaments and formed legendary Ryder Cup partnership with Seve Ballesteros, captaining Europe to victory.

José María Olazábal is Spain's most decorated golfer after Seve Ballesteros, a two-time Masters champion (1994, 1999) who was Seve's closest Ryder Cup partner. His 1999 Masters victory, after recovering from a severe foot condition that threatened to end his career, is one of golf's most inspiring stories. He captained Europe to their famous 'Miracle at Medinah' Ryder Cup victory in 2012, coming from 10-6 down to win 14½-13½.

Famous For

Masters Tournament victories and Ryder Cup heroics

Playing Style

How They Played

Exceptional short game and putting, precise iron play

Legacy

Lasting Impact

One of Europe's greatest golfers and inspirational Ryder Cup captain

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • Masters Tournament (1994, 1999)
  • Order of Merit runner-up (1989, 1990)
  • Ryder Cup Team Member (7 times)
  • World Golf Hall of Fame Inductee (2009)
Career Journey

Timeline

1985 🎯 Won British Amateur Championship
1986 📌 Turned professional
1987 🌍 Ryder Cup debut at Muirfield Village
1988 🎯 First European Tour victory at Ebel European Masters
1989 🎯 Order of Merit runner-up, established as European star
1994 🏆 Won Masters Tournament at Augusta National
1995 📌 Career threatened by rheumatoid arthritis
1997 🎯 Ryder Cup victory at Valderrama as home favorite
1999 🏆 Won second Masters Tournament
2009 🥇 Inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame
2012 📌 Captained Europe to Ryder Cup victory at Medinah
2014 🎯 Final competitive round as professional golfer