By Mark Soltau
SportsLine Senior Writer

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- For a guy who wasn't sure if he would ever walk again, let alone play golf, José Maria Olazábal looked surprisingly confident striding up the 18th fairway Sunday at steamy Augusta National Golf Club.

While most of his pursuers were backing up, the 33-year-old Spainiard never lost his footing.

If you think maintaining a one-shot lead in the final round of the Masters is tough, try overcoming a foot ailment many thought would end his career.

Olazábal held off his challengers with the same approach he used to overcome his foot injury, which sidelined him from competitive golf for 18 months -- hard work and determination.

He wasn't the people's choice Sunday, just as he wasn't when he won here in 1994. But once again, he gained their respect with another gritty back-nine performance.

Let's be honest: Most of the world was pulling for Greg Norman. Given the torture he has endured on this course, he was an overwhelming sentimental favorite.

It was the same in '94, when Olazábal edged Tom Lehman by a stroke. Unfortunately for Lehman, sentiment doesn't count for much Sunday afternoon at Augusta. Pars, patience and guts, do.

On another hot, muggy day in the Georgia pines, made bearable by a steady breeze, Olazábal saved his best for last. After a shaky front nine that saw him bogey three straight holes and briefly relinquish his lead, Olazábal did what he does best -- grind. He played the back nine in bogey-free 3-under-par, essentially clinching his second green jacket with a brilliant 6-iron at par-3 16th, holing a scary, downhill three-foot birdie put.

"I don't know how the hell I made it," he said.

Olazabal shares an emotional, celebratory hug with Greg Norman. (AP)

Born in Fuenterrabia, Spain, where his mother and father worked at a golf course, Olazábal learned the game at age 6 and became a golfing gym rat. He had an outstanding amateur career and never thought of becoming anything but a golf professional.

Olazábal still lives at home with his parents adjacent to Real Golf Club de San Sebastian, in the north-eastern corner of Spain, where his father was the greenskeeper. In 1995, he quit the game when his aching feet made walking a chore.

Initially, he was misdiagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and underwent surgery on his right foot. Later, Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfert, a German doctor, cured the problem through back therapy and Olazábal returned to competition in 1997, winning in Europe in only his third event.

So, Olazábal can be excused for breaking down Sunday during his emotional interview session with the media. Few understand what he has gone through or his intense passion for the game.

"It's very satisfying,'' he said. "It's very difficult for me to express how I feel. I'm proud of myself. It's an achievement I didn't even dream about."

During his rehab, Olazábal preferred isolation, avoiding family and friends. Unable to walk for two months, he was inconsolable.

"There was nothing they could say to cheer you up,'' said Olazábal. "I don't wish that on anyone."

Were it not for Muller-Wohlfert, he might not be playing golf.

"Without him, I wouldn't be standing here,'' Olazábal said. "Part of it (winning) belongs to him."

Olazábal was so antsy about his 3 p.m. starting time, he arrived at the course 2½ hours early to practice chipping and putting. His locker was littered with good luck notes from many European players, including amateur Sergio Garcia. About 2 p.m., he went to the clubhouse to have a light meal, but was too nervous to eat.

"I couldn't swallow,'' he said. "Not even water.''

Olazabal completes the long, uphill journey back to prominence. (AP)

As expected, most of the crowd pulled for Norman. When he holed a 25-foot eagle putt at the par-5 13th and momentarily seized the lead, the galleries erupted in Nicklaus-like fashion. Undaunted, Olazábal answered with a 21-foot birdie putt to tie Norman.

In a show of respect and sportsmanship, each pointed at the other and smiled. During Olazábal's recovery, Norman offered encouragement with a letter and phone calls.

"That's the relationship we have,'' said Olazábal. "It's not just being polite.''

Olazábal didn't mind the favoritism and actually enjoyed the raucous applause. Given what he has been through, just being there was a thrill.

He will never forget watching the 1996 Masters on television from his home in Spain with his feet elevated, devastated he couldn't compete. Little did he know three years later he would win again.

Asked which victory meant the most, Olazábal didn't hesitate.

"The first time I won here, it was my first major and I didn't have the knowledge to enjoy the jacket,'' he said. "This one I will enjoy more."