After a long career and countless titles from around the world, José María Olazábal was unable to capture one of the trophies that he will almost certainly wish he had in his cabinet. The fact is, unless he receives an invitation in the future, this was the last Open de España for ‘Chema’.
As if that were not enough for the emotional Ryder Cup captain, this was also the tournament where his great friend Severiano Ballesteros won the final tournament of his career. It is an achievement that he was unable to equal and one that he would exchange for any of the titles that adorn his CV.
Olazábal has 23 European Tour titles to his name, he is a two-time US Masters champion and he captained Europe in their victorious clash with the USA in the 2012 Ryder Cup. It is a career that the large crowds surrounding the 18th green recognised with a standing ovation.
