Jose Maria Olazabal expressed his shock at the toughness of this week’s 100th anniversary Spanish Open course in Seville.
While such a remark is common among professionals it is surprising coming from Europe’s Ryder Cup captain particularly as he designed the course a decade ago.
The course is playing host golf’s third oldest Open for a third occasion after Ireland’s Peter Lawrie won in 2008 and Alvaro Quiros succeeded in 2010.
A water feature at the back of the 18th on the course designed by Jose Maria Olazabal. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
The par 72 layout, featuring many water hazards, measure 7,134 yards or 6,529 metres with Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen establishing the course record of 62 in 2009 during the staging of the Andalucian Open.
However this year’s venue is very much tougher in previous years with the rough more akin to a U.S. Open.
“I didn’t realize I was building such a difficult course,” said Olazabal on the eve of the event.
“The course is in good shape but soft after two weeks of heavy rain, so conditions will be easier on the greens.
“The rough is extremely penal, therefore it will be vital to keep it on the fairway.
“Yesterday they cut an intermediate rough, which is playable, but from the deep rough you will probably have to play sideways. The rough is the only way to protect the course, particularly with today’s long hitters.
“All the par fives are reachable, but the winner of this tournament will have to hit many fairways, and it will be consistent players like Jiménez or Luke Donald who hit many fairways and many greens are always favourites on this type of course. Long hitters are going to struggle this week if they don’t keep it straight.”
Olazabal will be striving the one major Spanish event he is yet to win.
There was the sight 12 months ago as tears were streaming down his face after the news Seve Ballesteros had passed away and Olazabal, who has won five Spanish events in his 23 wins on the European Tour, would dearly love to add to his golfing CV.
Olazabal will play the opening two rounds in the company of Scotland’s Paul Lawrie, currently lying fifth on the Ryder Cup points table.
“You always learn something playing alongside Jose Maria as he is one of the short-game masters,” said Lawrie.
“I’ve played with him many times before so I am looking forward to the next two days as it’s always good fun.”
