The Champions Tour introduces a new format. The AMFAM Championship is changing. After nine years of being played in stroke play format, in 2025 it will be played in teams. 38 pairs, 76 players will compete over three rounds for the title. The first announced pair has not gone unnoticed.
The top 38 players in the Race del Champions Tour have had the opportunity to choose their playing partners, and Miguel Ángel Jiménez was clear in his choice, selecting Mr. José María Olazábal, the two-time Masters champion and a true legend of team play. Notably, alongside Seve Ballesteros, he formed the most successful pair in Ryder Cup history. Jimenez and Olazábal, Olazábal and Jimenez: a Spanish duo, a Ryder Cup duo in the Champions Tour.
Although they have coincided in numerous Ryder Cups, only in one edition were both part of the team as European team players. It was 26 years ago, in 1999, and they competed together in two pairs matches, achieving one win and one draw. Both in fourball. Although the European team ultimately conceded in Brookline at the last moment, the Olazábal-Jiménez pair was a stronghold for the European team. They will reunite from 6th to 8th June at the TPC Championship, the new venue for the tournament. A nostalgic air with Txema and the ‘Pisha’ putting on a show.
The format is innovative. In the first two rounds, players will play their own ball, and the lowest score of the two players on each hole will count. In the third and final round, it will be played in Scramble format. Each player will tee off, and they will choose the best shot. Both players will continue the hole from there until the end.
