Olazabal on way back

Jose Maria Olazabal, out of action since August with rheumatism, is hoping to return to golf late next month – but he accepts it will be difficult to keep his Ryder Cup place.

The 41-year-old Spaniard, who today received the Professional Golfers’ Association Recognition Award at a ceremony in London, started hitting balls again only on Wednesday – having suffered problems in his shoulders and groin.