Olazabal out of Masters
Jose Maria Olazabal has confirmed that he will not be competing at this year's US Masters as he continues his struggle with rheumatoid polyarthritis.
Olazabal has won at Augusta on two occasions, first in 1994 and then again in 1999. Those are his only major victories. Despite his success there, the 50-year-old Spaniard loves the course for other reasons.
"The Masters is very special to me and walking up Magnolia Lane gives me a peace of mind like nowhere else," he said.
However, having not played a competitive round since the same event last year due to his battle with illness, the Prince of Asturias Award recipient has been forced to withdraw from competing this week.
"I'm sorry to announce I'm unable to attend this year as I am not feeling well," he continued.
"It's been very tough being at home these last few months doing nothing. I'm feeling better, I hit a bucket of balls every morning and spend 45 minutes on the putting green.
"I practice for about three hours. I don't set myself goals or dates, time will tell."
Latest
-
NewsSergio Garcia hits hole-in-one to reach WGC Match Play last 16
The Spaniard made an ace on the fourth play-off hole to get the better of Lee Westwood.
-
NewsTommy Fleetwood holds off Bryson DeChambeau to progress in Austin
The Englishman had been four up but the match went down the last.
-
NewsRory McIlroy on current form: ‘The game is testing me more than it has done in recent years’
The former World No 1 admits only hard work will lift him out of his current run of bad form.
-
NewsDustin Johnson finishes strongly to avoid defeat to Robert MacIntyre in Austin
Johnson made an eagle on the par-five 16th and birdied the 17th.
-
NewsJustin Thomas crashes out of WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play after second loss
Thomas lost 3&2 to Matt Kuchar on day one and 2&1 to defending champion Kevin Kisner on Thursday.
-
NewsIan Poulter backs Rory McIlroy to bounce back after match play rout
The four-time major champion has made recent changes to his team.
-
NewsRory McIlroy off to losing start at WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play
Ian Poulter claimed a comprehensive victory at Austin Country Club.
-
NewsDanny Willett reunited with caddie Jonathan Smart in the Dominican Republic
Willett and Smart split just over a year after their triumph at Augusta National in 2016.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick feels like the underdog as he prepares to face Jordan Spieth
The Englishman is the top seed in their group at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.
-
NewsJon Rahm in favour of straight knockout format returning for WGC Match Play
The world number three does not believe players who lose a match should remain in the tournament.