Sergio Gómez, the lifelong manager of José María Olazábal for over 40 years, has passed away following a battle with liver cancer.
Born in 1945, Gomez was a transcendental man in Spanish golf. Not only was he like a second father to Olazábal, he was a tournament promoter, caddie, TVE and Canal Plus commentator, columnist for El País and a partner at Olazábal Design.
Sergio and José María first met after a social tournament in Jaizkibel. Having played the round of his life at Real Golf Club de San Sebastian, Sergio was already celebrating victory in the clubhouse, however an unknown 12-year-old cut those celebrations short. Curiosity overcame him and he wanted to know who the youngster was that beat him. His name was José María and he was the son of the greenkeeper.
Sergio managed the young Spaniard when he turned professional in 1986. The two-time Masters Champion often described him as a second father and he was by his side throughout his 30 professional wins, and his extensive Ryder Cup career which included his captaincy at the Miracle of Medinah.
