Golf: Olazabal dedicates Masters cut to late compatriot Ballesteros

By Andrew Both

AUGUSTA, Ga. (Reuters) - Jose-Maria Olazabal turned back the clock to make the cut at the Masters at the age of 55 on Friday, dedicating his wardrobe to fellow Spaniard Seve Ballesteros on what would have been the late, great's 64th birthday.

Olazabal, the 1994 and 1999 champion at Augusta National, used his guile and renowned short game to card a second-round 71 for a two-over-par 146 halfway total.

"I am wearing navy blue and white, which are the colors of Seve and today would be his birthday," said Olazabal.

"I know that making the cut is not such an extraordinary thing, but I want to dedicate this accomplishment to him and all those people who have left us over the last year," Olazabal continued, also mentioning his former manager Sergio Gomez who died last year.

"I think Seve would be happy. I miss not having him here for a big hug. I'm a little emotional. I have to say wholeheartedly that making the cut has been a primary goal in recent years. When you see the years going by and you don't get it, it gets tough."

Ballesteros, winner of five major championships including two Masters, died of a brain tumor in 2011.

He and fellow Spaniard Olazabal were the most successful duo in Ryder Cup history, bonding to form an almost unbeatable duo for Europe.

They played together a record 15 times and won 12 points.

(Reporting by Andrew Both; Editing by William Mallard)