Olazabal wins PGA award
2007-12-21 22:10
London - Jose Maria Olazabal emulated Seve
Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam and Colin Montgomerie by
winning the Professional Golfers' Association's (PGA) annual recognition award on Friday.
Chief executive Sandy Jones said at the PGA's annual lunch and charity fundraiser in London: "Jose Maria reflects what I consider to be the consummate tournament professional.
"His talking is all done on the golf course and his record stands comparison with all modern greats. It's a privilege for the PGA to present him with the recognition award for his great achievements."
Blighted by injury
Olazabal won the US Masters in 1994 and 1999 and has 21
other European Tour victories to his name.
He has played in the Ryder Cup seven times and established a
formidable partnership with fellow-Spaniard Ballesteros.
Olazabal, 41, whose year has been blighted by injury, will
be one of Faldo's vice-captains when Europe defend the Ryder Cup at Valhalla, Kentucky in September.
Olazabal said: "I would very much like to be there as a player, but if that is not the case, I'm looking forward to being involved because it will be a learning experience."
"Even though I've played in Ryder Cups I've never been there in this position and I will try to learn as much as possible and see how things work, maybe for a future captaincy role."