You have to really like golf. You have to really like helping others. That’s the only way to explain why someone like José María Olazábal, one of the greatest, has decided to shoulder the bag this week at Infinitum Golf to caddie for his nephew Joseba Torres in the adventure of the Final Stage of the DP World Tour. It’s not just any week. Physically, it’s very tough, with six days of competition plus another four of practice. Many caddies this week have manual or electric trolleys. Olazábal, on the shoulder. If you’re going to do it, do it all the way. The only luxury José Mari has allowed himself is a small bag. That’s all.
When Chema says yes, he goes all in. He conveys the enthusiasm of a player who is just starting out. It’s impressive. He doesn’t do it just for the sake of it, and certainly not to show off; on the contrary, he tries to go unnoticed, head down, cap well adjusted, shorts on, and walking briskly. He takes photos with anyone who asks, signs autographs for anyone who needs them, and gives a smile to everyone who greets him, but if there’s someone who doesn’t notice his presence, even better.
Olazábal is here to work, to find the best way to help Joseba and, if possible, achieve the big goal of the DP World Tour card or, failing that, the Challenge Tour. “Here we are, changing professions, let’s see if I measure up,” he tells Ten Golf with the humility and sense of humour that characterises him. They finished two under par on the first day at the Lakes course. “As a caddie, I don’t know how I’ve done, let him tell you, physically I’m fine for now,” he says cheerfully.
So, we ask Joseba. “Incredible, how could it not go well with him. It’s all my fault, I can’t hit the ball straight, damn it, I complicate things,” he says, smiling and lively. It’s clear that Olazábal blood runs through his veins, although the young golfer would prefer his golf not to rely so much on the grit that has been the hallmark of his uncle’s career. “It would be nice to go a bit more calmly around the golf course,” he notes humorously.
The problems today came from the tee, hence the round of two under par is considered good. Somehow, they’ve managed to save it. “He’s fought for it. He’s a bit unsure with the driver, but he’s fought for it, let’s leave it at that. A good round, two under par isn’t bad, but knowing he has to eliminate some demons out there. He’s trying to put them on the fairway, but when you’re like this, the risk of hitting a bad one is high. Improvement is needed,” says the master.
It’s the second time in his life that Olazábal has caddied. The first was in Chiberta, in an amateur tournament also with Joseba. Many years have passed. The nephew doesn’t hide the value of what he’s experiencing. “We’ve achieved the result we could, even though the game wasn’t there. We’ve tried. You really notice the advice he gives you on some shots, little things. It’s what he tells you, but also how he tells you. He has a way that instils confidence and makes decision-making very easy. He always reinforces you.”
