dec20 olliehonour
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Two-time Masters’ champion José Maria Olazábal will be honoured for his outstanding contribution to golf tomorrow (Friday).
The Spanish golfer will receive The Professional Golfers’ Association Recognition Award at its annual luncheon and charity fundraiser at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London.
Olazábal is one of Europe’s most successful players of the last two decades with two Green Jackets in 1994 and 1999 plus 21 other European Tour titles.
He also boasts a superb Ryder Cup record from his seven appearances where he established a formidable partnership with Seve Ballesteros.
PGA chief executive Sandy Jones paid a glowing tribute to the 41-year-old.
“Jose Maria reflects what I consider to be the consummate tournament professional,” said Jones.
“His talking is all done on the golf course and his record stands comparison with all modern greats and it’s a privilege for the PGA to present him with the recognition award for his great achievements within the game.”
Olazábal, who missed the last two months of the season through injury, is set to play a big role next year as one of Nick Faldo’s vice captains when Europe defend the Ryder Cup at Valhalla in September.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he admits. “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.”
Past recipients of the PGA Recognition Award include Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam and Colin Montgomerie.
