Jose Maria Olazabal: 'I remember just punching the locker and starting to cry'

The future of the game

I think the health of the game is wonderful. Some people say we are losing memberships throughout the world but on the other hand the attention that golf is getting is only growing. Twenty years ago or so, when you talk to a kid who was 12 or 13 it would be very rare to hear that he wanted to play professional golf. But now they have all these idols to look up to who they want to emulate.

The modern golf ball

“We may have to do something about it. But it’s not all down to equipment, the way the players prepare themselves is amazing now – they’re all athletes.

“On top of this courses are more manicured so they’re more likely to get extra bounces and roll to increase distance. It obviously looks like the players are hitting the ball miles now, it’s true they hit it long, but I’m pretty sure that if you give them a wooden club, let’s say 40 years ago today, they will still be hitting it farther than those guys.

“So, the debate is there, which is great, but at the end of the day, I think we have to find a balance. Though if I had to say, I’d say it has more to do with the balls than the clubs.”

Jose Maria Olazabal

Golf course design

“First of all you have to think about a regular player who would come and play at the weekend – so you cannot always build a golf course that is 7,500 yards long. You have to design a course where everybody can have fun but at the same time create enough of a challenge for each type of player.

“Having said that, and I’m not sure if it’s a good or a bad thing, we now have the issue that if we want hold events we must build very long tees to challenge the world’s best – so that becomes a consideration.

“When I start out building a course, firstly, I try to use the elements that the land provides. At the same time, however, you have to consider every type of golfer and from there you either soften or intensify the natural features so, first and foremost, the weekend players can play it with minimal struggle. From there you can add in tricky templates and features to test the best and add character.”

Jose Maria Olazabal

My design inspirations

“Whenever you play a course and there are certain elements of that course that you like or you think that they made a great use of the land that sticks in your mind and, if the opportunity comes, you might use those elements in your designs. To be honest, I believe that everything has already been invented in architecture, it’s just how you adapt those elements to your design for the most effective course.

“I store my notes in my memories and pass pictures along to my team and discuss where would be a good spot to employ a feature like that. It may depend on terrain, type of grass, climate etc, it all has to come into account.

“I don’t like huge greens and I like them well protected if possible. I like using run-off areas but without any deep rough – this leaves you the option of a number of clubs in your bag and really engages creativity. You can either hit a lob wedge or putt it and I like giving golfers those tricky decisions.”

Setting the challenge

“You can actually challenge golfers to have a more diverse short game but at the same time create areas where a weekend golfer doesn’t have to hit a perfect flop shot in the air with spin to recover. Ideally you would give that player the chance to take a putter from 15 yards away from the flag and they can get it close and move on.

“Where a top player may feel they have the best chance to get it close by pitching – it’s all about creating a viable option for everyone but still giving skilled players a chance to express themselves in as many ways as possible.”