Olazábal, José María

b. 1966, San Sebastián

   Sportsman

   Winner of the Masters Golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, and ranked fifth in world in 1994, Olazábal began his professional career in 1986 after a series of victories in children's, boys" and amateur championships from 1979 onwards. His other successes include the Swiss Open (1986), the Belgian Open (1988), the Ryder Cup (1989) and the Ireland Open (1990). Absent from the 1996 season because of illness, he returned in 1997 to win the Turespaña Masters and to play in the European team which won the Ryder Cup in Valderrama.

   See also: golf

   EAMONN RODGERS