José María Cañizares


José María 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. In 2000 he had ten top ten finishes and set a then tour record for season earnings without a win of US$1,155,939. He also played a few times on the European Seniors Tour.
Cañizares' son Alejandro won a European Tour event in 2006.

Professional wins (14)

European Tour wins (6)

European Tour playoff record
No.YearTournamentOpponentResult
11972Lancia d'Oro Peter TownsendWon with birdie on fifth extra hole
21981Italian Open Bobby ClampettWon with birdie on first extra hole
31983Paco Rabanne Open de France Nick Faldo, David J. RussellFaldo won with par on third extra hole
Russell eliminated by birdie on first hole
41983Martini International Nick FaldoLost to par on third extra hole
51985Cepsa Madrid Open Manuel PiñeroLost to birdie on fourth extra hole
61992Roma Masters Barry LaneWon with birdie on second extra hole

Other wins (7)

Senior PGA Tour playoff record
No.YearTournamentOpponentResult
11998Bell Atlantic Classic Jay SigelLost to birdie on third extra hole
21999Southwestern Bell Dominion Bruce Fleisher, John MahaffeyMahaffey won with birdie on second extra hole
Fleisher eliminated with birdie on first hole
32000ACE Group Classic Walter Hall, Lanny Wadkins,
Tom Watson		Wadkins won with par on third extra hole
Hall and Watson eliminated with par on first hole
42001Toshiba Senior Classic Gil MorganWon with birdie on ninth extra hole

Results in major championships

Note: Cañizares never played in the Masters Tournament nor the U.S. Open.
CUT = missed the half-way cut
"T" = tied

Team appearances