Jose Maria Olazabal will try to mastermind a triumph for Europe in this weekend's Ryder Cup, a competition he has made an indelible mark on over the years.
A captain's calling —
Jose Maria Olazabal will try to mastermind a triumph for Europe in this weekend's Ryder Cup, a competition he has made an indelible mark on over the years.
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The Spaniard's first experience of representing Europe came in the 1984 St Andrews Trophy, where he was part of a continental team which was beaten by Great Britain and Ireland.
Olazabal 84 —
The Spaniard's first experience of representing Europe came in the 1984 St Andrews Trophy, where he was part of a continental team which was beaten by Great Britain and Ireland.
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When mentioning Europe and the Ryder Cup, it is almost impossible not to think of Olazabal and the late, great Seve Ballesteros. The Spanish duo played together in the competition for the first time in 1987, when Europe retained the trophy in Ohio.
A dream duo —
When mentioning Europe and the Ryder Cup, it is almost impossible not to think of Olazabal and the late, great Seve Ballesteros. The Spanish duo played together in the competition for the first time in 1987, when Europe retained the trophy in Ohio.
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Tony Jacklin's European team defeated the Americans 15-13 to clinch victory at Muirfield Village that year.
Joy for Jacklin —
Tony Jacklin's European team defeated the Americans 15-13 to clinch victory at Muirfield Village that year.
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The Spanish pair were reunited for the 1989 match at the Belfry. Despite their pained expressions in this picture, Europe once again retained the trophy after a 14-14 draw.
All square —
The Spanish pair were reunited for the 1989 match at the Belfry. Despite their pained expressions in this picture, Europe once again retained the trophy after a 14-14 draw.
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Ballesteros captained a European team to a memorable win in 1997. Europe's team, featuring Olazabal, sealed a dramatic 14 1/2 - 13 1/2 in the pair's homeland of Spain at the Valderrama Golf Club.
Spanish celebrations —
Ballesteros captained a European team to a memorable win in 1997. Europe's team, featuring Olazabal, sealed a dramatic 14 1/2 - 13 1/2 in the pair's homeland of Spain at the Valderrama Golf Club.
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In April 1999, Olazabal won the second of his two Masters titles, just four months before the 33rd Ryder Cup at Brookline.
A double Master —
In April 1999, Olazabal won the second of his two Masters titles, just four months before the 33rd Ryder Cup at Brookline.
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The 1999 Ryder Cup is regarded as one of the finest in the tournament's history. Justin Leonard holed a putt on the 17th, prompting an invasion from the U.S. team. Leonard's putt meant Olazabal had to find the cup to keep European hopes alive, but the Spaniard failed and the U.S. won 14 1/2 - 13 1/2.
The Battle of Brookline —
The 1999 Ryder Cup is regarded as one of the finest in the tournament's history. Justin Leonard holed a putt on the 17th, prompting an invasion from the U.S. team. Leonard's putt meant Olazabal had to find the cup to keep European hopes alive, but the Spaniard failed and the U.S. won 14 1/2 - 13 1/2.
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Another Spaniard to have enjoyed success in the Ryder Cup is Sergio Garcia, who is part of Olazabal's 2012 team. The pair are pictured here after Europe's crushing 18 1/2 - 9 1/2 win at the K Club in 2006.
Krushed at the K Club —
Another Spaniard to have enjoyed success in the Ryder Cup is Sergio Garcia, who is part of Olazabal's 2012 team. The pair are pictured here after Europe's crushing 18 1/2 - 9 1/2 win at the K Club in 2006.
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The 39th Ryder Cup match begins on Friday at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois.
Medinah Country Club —
The 39th Ryder Cup match begins on Friday at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois.
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