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Jose Maria Olazabal receives PGA recognition award

Jose Maria Olazabal emulated Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam and Colin Montgomerie by winning the Professional Golfers' Association's (PGA) annual recognition award on Friday.

"Jose Maria reflects what I consider to be the consummate tournament professional," said chief executive Sandy Jones at the PGA's annual lunch and charity fundraiser in London.

"His talking is all done on the golf course and his record stands comparison with all modern greats. It's a privilege for the PGA to present him with the recognition award for his great achievements."

Olazabal won the U.S. Masters in 1994 and 1999 and has 21 other European Tour victories to his name.

He has played in the Ryder Cup seven times and established a formidable partnership with fellow-Spaniard Ballesteros.

Olazabal, 41, whose year has been blighted by injury, will be one of Faldo's vice-captains when Europe defend the Ryder Cup at Valhalla, Kentucky in September.

"I would very much like to be there as a player but if that is not the case I'm looking forward to being involved because it will be a learning experience," he said.

"Even though I've played in Ryder Cups I've never been there in this position and I will try to learn as much as possible and see how things work, maybe for a future captaincy role."

December 22, 2007