Personal Information

It is very difficult to find much personal information on Jose Maria Olazabal. The following information is a mixture of personal bios from various sources (European Tour, Masters bio and bits and pieces from articles.) Any mistakes are entirely mine. This will be added to as more information is found.

Jose Maria Olazabal

Born: February 5, 1966 in Fuentarrabia, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Current residence: Lives on the golf course at Real Golf Club de San Sebastian. Built a new house several years ago with sections for himself and his parents on the 10th hole (some articles report the house on the 7th hole. ?)

Current Tour: European Tour, exempt status-Category 1, winner of PGA Championship 1994, expires Dec. 31, 2004

Parents: Julia and Gaspar

Sister: name (?)

Pets: dog (name?)

Attachment: single

Manager: Sergio Gomez

Endorsements: MacGregor, LaCoste (?)

Began golfing at an early age (age 2 by his account-see career info.) Won many amateur events including British Boys, Youths and Amateur-beating Colin Montgomerie in the final. Turned pro in 1985. Won Qualifying school. 17 European titles. Ryder Cup-debut at age of 21. Won Masters in 1994. Withdrew from golf tournaments in 1995 and didn't play at all in 1996 because of 'rheumatoid arthritis' in his feet. Eventually diagnosed as a back problem by Dr. Hans-Wilhem Muller-Wolfhart. Received treatment in fall of 1996 and returned to golf in 1997 at the Dubai Desert Classic. Won emotional comeback tournament 3 tries after Dubai-Turespana Open Canarias. Won Dubai Desert Classic in 1998 and Masters in 1999.