Augusta, GA …

Spaniard’s Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia now share more than just being Masters champions.

The duo will forever they are members of Augusta National share a locker.

And after playing a practice round Monday, Olazabal was asked by www.golfbytourmiss.com what is it like sharing a locker with the defending Masters champion.

“Well, I see the locker is fuller than it used to be,” said Olazabal laughing.

“It’s a bit emotional in the sense that it’s history of the Spanish here.  And to be able to share the locker with another Spaniard up in the Champions Locker Room, that’s special.”

While happy to be sharing a locker with Garcia, Olazabal admitted it was a great relief his younger countryman finally won a first Major and 12 months ago this week, and a long 18-years after turning pro.

“To see him win was a great and also a great relief for me as I always thought he had the game and the tools to win a Major,” said Olazabal

“So, seeing him winning was fantastic.  It will make the Champions Dinner very special having a Spaniard as the champion and it will bring back memories when I was the winner and Seve was still with us.

“It will be kind of emotional in that regard but I am really looking forward to the dinner and I know the food will be excellent (smiling).”

It prompted ‘Ollie’ to be also asked how he would rank Garcia when compared to the fact Seve Ballesteros won two green jackets and with Olazabal being a double Masters winner.

“The thing is Sergio still has many years in his golf career,” said Olazabal.  “He is a great ball-striker and he can shape the ball either way and he can do anything with the ball and in that regard.

“I believe that once you break down that wall the path is usually a little bit brighter (smiling).

“Then you have guys like Jon Rahm and Rafa and they will all have their chances and that is for sure, and not just on this golf course but in many other majors.”