September’s European Legends Cup will pay tribute to one of the game’s true greats, José María Olazábal, with the tournament being played on a course that bears his signature, the Real Nuevo Club de Golf de San Sebastián, Basozábal, and the man himself hosting the event in his home region.
Taking place from September 5-7, the European Legends Cup hosted by José María Olazábal returns to Spain after the success of last year’s inaugural event at Golf Almerimar in Andalucia, which was won in a play-off by Adilson da Silva.
This year’s edition will be the first time that Basozábal, located just outside San Sebastián in Spain’s beautiful Basque region, has held such a significant tournament. With stunning mountain views and a strategic layout that blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape, Basozábal will provide a stern test for the Legends Tour’s players.
José María Olazábal said: “It is an honour that the Legends Tour is coming to San Sebastián and that the European Legends Cup is being played on a course that I have designed with so much passion and dedication. Great friends who are winners of tournaments all over the world will be coming to the tournament and knowing that they will be competing on a course that reflects my vision of the game is a great satisfaction. I am sure they will enjoy the course and my city. It will be a very important week for me and I hope I will be able to do well.”
Phil Harrison, CEO of the Legends Tour, added: “José María Olazábal represents the truest values of golf, and paying tribute to him on a course that bears his stamp is a perfect way to celebrate his legacy. Basozábal is a spectacular venue, and we are delighted to bring the Legends Tour to San Sebastián for the first time. This edition will undoubtedly be one of the most emotional and special tournaments of the season.”
One of the most recognisable and beloved players in world golf, Olazábal’s 40-year Hall of Fame career has spanned 103 Majors and garnered more than 30 tournament victories around the world, include two unforgettable Masters triumphs at Augusta National. He has also achieved legendary status across 12 Ryder Cups. That includes seven as a player – often alongside his mentor Severiano Ballesteros as part of the most successful pairing in Ryder Cup history – once as a winning captain at Medinah in 2012 and also as a four-time vice-captain.
That will soon become five after the recent confirmation of Olazábal's return to captain Luke Donald’s backroom team as Europe seek a first win on US soil since Olazábal himself engineered the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ that saw a 10-6 deficit overturned on the final day in 2012.
Commenting on what this event means for the club, Iñigo Manso, President of the Real Nuevo Club de Golf de San Sebastián, Basozábal, said: “Hosting the European Legends Cup is a source of real pride for all of us who are part of Basozábal. That Olazábal's legacy, so closely linked to our history and our journey, is being honoured here, in his home, is something very special. It will be an unforgettable week for our club, our members and for the whole city.”
The European Legends Cup hosted by José María Olazábal will bring together the best golfers of the Legends Tour in celebration of Olazábal's achievements, his inspiration, his dedication and his passion for golf – as well as showcasing his commitment to future generations, to whom Olazábal dedicates much of his time.
