Became the oldest winner in European Tour history when he won the 2012 UBS Hong Kong Open aged 48 and 318 days. That was his 19th European Tour victory and first since the Omega European Masters in 2010, a prolific year during which he won three times and was part of the victorious European Ryder Cup Team at The Celtic Manor Resort. Was his fourth Ryder Cup appearance, and he was also one of his close friend José María Olazábal’s Vice Captains for magnificent victory at Medinah in 2012. A lover of fine wines and Havana cigars, he had a new experience when one of his course designs hosted a European Tour event for the first time, the 2009 Moravia Silesia Open presented by ALO Diamonds taking place over the Old Course at Prosper Golf Club. One of seven brothers, he took up golf as a 15 year old while picking up the balls at the range and caddying. Inspired by watching the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Sandy Lyle and Sam Torrance when he was caddying at the 1979 Spanish Open at Torrequebrada (Málaga) and decided to take up the game seriously. In 2004, he emerged as the season’s most prolific champion when he claimed four titles on his way to finishing fourth on The European Tour Order of Merit, equalling his highest position. Has represented Spain 13 times in World Cups and is nicknamed ‘the Mechanic’ – for his preference for driving, rather than repairing, high performance vehicles, especially his gleaming red Ferrari. Will miss the early part of the 2013 season after breaking his right leg in a skiing fall at Christmas. However, the good news is that it will give him more time to spend at his new golf school near Torremolinos which opened in January.