Olazabal seeks driving lessons

Olazabal has not been enjoying his golf

Jose Maria Olazabal has turned to the coach who helped Lee Westwood finish as Europe's number one last year.

Despite winning this year's French Open, the Spaniard has struggled with his driving for most of the season.

The twice US Masters champion finally agreed to see Pete Cowen on Tuesday after being pressured by his English caddie Phil Morbey.

Speaking ahead of the season-ending Volvo Masters at Montecastillo, Olzabal said: "I saw Pete Cowen for 15 minutes.

I've had a difficult time, even though I have won a tournament - I have not enjoyed playing at all

Jose Maria Olazabal

"He told me what he thought about my swing, and we're trying to do a little thing and see if it works.

"My backswing is causing the problem - the face should be a bit more open to get a better angle, a better position."

Olazabal admitted that caddie Morbey had told him "enough is enough, you've got to do something and see somebody".

A winner at Augusta in 1994 and 1999, he has missed five cuts in 16 tournaments in Europe this year.

Apart from his French Open success, he has not made the top 10 in a single event and he currently lies 35th on the 2001 money list.

Woosnam is the current golfer of the month

Olazabal said: "It hasn't been a good season for me, very negative.

"I've had a difficult time, even though I have won a tournament. The problem has not only been the driver, though.

I've also struggled with the putter. I have not enjoyed playing at all, except for a very few weeks."

Morbey left his previous employer Ian Woosnam in May this year after the Welshman suggested his future would be brighter with the 35-year-old Spaniard.

"I think he made the wrong choice," joked Olazabal.

Woosnam won last month's World Match Play title at Wentworth, England, and is in 14th position on the money list going into the Volvo Masters.