One of Spanish and European golf’s most revered and decorated players, can count two Green Jackets among his 23 European Tour titles.

Masterminded the legendary Miracle of Medinah when Europe, with Olazábal as captain, staged the greatest comeback in the history of the event to win The 2012 Ryder Cup.

Had previously served as vice-captain on three occasions, having featured as a player in seven of the contests.

His famous partnership with compatriot Seve Ballesteros is still the most successful in history, having claimed 12 points from 15 matches together.

Holds the world record distance for a completed putt. During the 1999 European Ryder Cup team's Concorde flight to the United States, he holed a putt which travelled the full length of the cabin. The ball was in motion for 26.17s, during which time Concorde, at 1,270 mph, travelled 9.232 miles.

Served notice of his talent when defeating Colin Montgomerie to win the 1984 Amateur Championship, turning professional two years later and finishing second on the Order of Merit in his rookie season, becoming the first Spaniard to receive the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award.