Raised beside a golf course in the Basque Country, José María Olazábal became a two-time Masters champion, one half of the greatest partnership in Ryder Cup history and, in 2012, the captain behind the Miracle at Medinah.
His is a story of craft, loyalty and a remarkable comeback. If his short game has ever lifted you off the sofa, explore our golf collection.
José María Olazábal Fact File
| Full name | José María Olazábal Manterola |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 5 February 1966 (age 60) |
| Place of birth | Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía), Basque Country, Spain |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Event | Professional golfer (turned pro 1985) |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Current status | Plays selected senior events (Legends Tour, senior majors) and the Masters as a past champion |
| Nickname | Ollie, Chema |
Career History
| Years | Tour/Period | Wins | Majors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983–1985 | Amateur | British Boys', Amateur and Youths' titles | – |
| 1986–2005 | European Tour | 23 | 2 |
| 1990–2002 | PGA Tour | 6 | 2 |
| 1989–1990 | Japan Golf Tour | 2 | – |
His two Masters titles count on both the European Tour and PGA Tour, so the columns overlap; his official total is 30 professional wins.
Born Beside the Fairways
Olazábal was born on 5 February 1966, the day after Real Golf Club de San Sebastián opened next door to the family home. His grandfather was the club's greenkeeper, and by the age of two he was swinging a cut-down club.
The amateur record that followed was extraordinary. He won the British Boys' Championship in 1983, then the Amateur Championship in 1984, beating a young Colin Montgomerie 5 and 4 in the final. A year later he added the British Youths' title, becoming the first player to win all three.
Relive it with our Jose Maria Olazabal Golf Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
The Spanish Armada
Ollie turned professional in 1985 and won twice in his debut season, finishing second on the 1986 Order of Merit behind his hero Seve Ballesteros.
Paired at the 1987 Ryder Cup at Muirfield Village, the two Spaniards played 15 matches together, winning 11, halving two and losing only two. It remains the most successful partnership in the event's history. In seven Ryder Cups, Olazábal scored 20½ points.
Relive it with our Jose Maria Olazabal Golf Icon Frame Men's T-Shirt.
Two Green Jackets
By 1991 Olazábal had climbed to world number two. His first major arrived at Augusta in 1994, when he started the final round a shot behind and closed with a 69 to beat Tom Lehman by two strokes.
Then injury kept him out for the whole of 1996, and his career looked in real doubt. He fought back, and in 1999 led at Augusta by one after 54 holes before beating Davis Love III by two for a second green jacket.
Relive it with our Jose Maria Olazabal Golf Icon Frame Men's Polo Shirt.
Medinah and Beyond
Wins followed into the 2000s, the last at the 2005 Mallorca Classic, and after his final Ryder Cup as a player in 2006 he was handed the 2012 captaincy.
At Medinah, Europe trailed 10–6 going into the final day. A stunning singles fightback produced a 14½–13½ win, which Olazábal dedicated to his late friend Seve. Today, at 60, he still plays the Masters and selected senior events, and hosted the European Legends Cup in 2025.
Honours
Major Championships
- Masters Tournament: 1994, 1999
Ryder Cup
- Seven playing appearances (1987–2006), on four winning or retaining teams
- Winning captain: 2012
- Vice-captain: 2008, 2010, 2014
Amateur
- British Boys' Championship: 1983
- The Amateur Championship: 1984
- British Youths' Championship: 1985
Individual
- World Golf Hall of Fame: 2009
- Prince of Asturias Award for Sports: 2013
Away From the Game
Olazábal still lives in his home town of Hondarribia. He supports Sport Mundi, a local charity funding projects worldwide, and has staged charity events with Rafael Nadal.
FAQs
How old is José María Olazábal?
Born on 5 February 1966, he is 60 years old.
Where was José María Olazábal born?
He was born in Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía) in the Basque Country, Spain.
How tall is José María Olazábal?
He stands 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m).
Which tours did José María Olazábal play on?
He won 23 times on the European Tour, six times on the PGA Tour and twice in Japan, for 30 professional wins.
What was Olazábal and Seve's Ryder Cup record?
They won 11, halved two and lost two of 15 matches together.
How many Masters did José María Olazábal win?
Two, in 1994 and 1999, both by two strokes.
Shop the José María Olazábal Collection
Celebrate one of Spain's finest with our Olazábal range.
Olazabal Men's Hoodie
£39.99
Browse more legends in our golf collection, or put your own name on our custom name men's hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Tommy Fleetwood Career Story and Nick Faldo Career Story.
0 comments