Which Asian player will follow in YE Yang's footsteps and win a major?
[Hideki] Matsuyama. I saw him playing in the Presidents Cup and he was unbelievable. He already has the talent to win a major. It's very tough, of course, you're playing against the best players in the world, but I think he can do it.
What would you say has been the finest moment of your career?
I've had a lot of great moments. My first win on tour, at the French Open in 2008, was very special of course, but my second win, in 2011 [at the BMW International Open], was even better. I played the World Cup for Spain with Miguel Angel Jiménez in 2008 and that was also a very special moment. We finished second behind Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson at Mission Hills Golf Club in China. Playing in the Royal Trophy against Asia in 2009 was another great moment. Having said that I think my best moments are ahead of me.
What is your ultimate goal as a professional?
As a professional golfer you want to be fighting for major championships. That has to be the goal. As a European playing on the European Tour you really want to play in a winning Ryder Cup team. I think that's the main goal – to be part of the team.
Who would be in your dream fourball?
I would love play with Seve [Ballesteros]. Unfortunately I never had the chance. Tiger Woods, too, and Jack Nicklaus. That would be perfect. They're probably the best players to have ever lived.
What has been your most embarrassing moment on tour?
It was at my first event in South Africa. I hit my first tee shot, with a 3-wood, only 50 yards. That was pretty bad.
Do you have a favourite course?
No, not really. The best courses are the ones on which you win. We play so many different styles of courses – in America, British Open courses and so on. I really can't tell you which is my favourite.
Aside from yourself naturally, who is the nicest guy on tour?
There are many great guys but [Miguel Angel] Jiménez is the nicest, for sure.
If you weren't a golfer, what would you be?
A terrible professional footballer.
What is it about Asia that you most enjoy?
The people – I love the people. They treat me so well. Travelling around the world is all about experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. I love playing in Asia.
What will we see Pablo Larrazábal achieve this year?
My goals are always the same: competing with a chance to win on a Sunday afternoon. If I'm doing that I'll be having fun, and that's what golf is all about. I had eight top-10s in 2013, so if I can fight more for more tournaments in 2014 I'll be very happy.
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