José María Cañizares

Who is José María Cañizares?

José Maria Cañizares is a Spanish golfer.

Cañizares was born in Madrid. He turned professional in 1967 and made the top hundred on the European Tour Order of Merit every year from its first season in 1972 through to 1993. He placed in the top ten five times, with a best ranking of fourth in 1983. He won five events on the tour.

Cañizares was a member of four European Ryder Cup teams and had a record of 5 wins, 4 losses and two ties, including 2.5 points in four singles matches. In 1985 his singles victory over Fuzzy Zoeller rubber-stamped a European win that took the trophy from the Americans for the first time in 28 years. In 1989 his putt to beat Ken Green on the 18th at The Belfry ensured a 14-14 tie and keep the cup in European hands.

Cañizares won the World Cup team event for Spain on two occasions. In 1982 his partner was Manuel Piñero. In 1984 he teamed up with José Rivero, and on that occasion he also took the individual prize.

After becoming eligible for senior tournaments in 1997 Cañizares played mainly on the U.S. based Champions Tour. He won once as a senior, at the 2001 Toshiba Senior Classic.