José María Cañizares is a Spanish golfer born on 18 February 1948 in Madrid.

Cañizares turned professional in 1967. He maintained his status among the top 100 European Merit Golfers, classifying in the top ten for five years from 1972 to 1993. He excelled in five European Circuit Events.

Cañizares was a member of the European Ryder Cup Team four times, with a record of five victories and four loses. Especially significant was his victory over Fuzzy Zoeller in 1985 which meant the first European victory in 25 years. His 1985 victory over Ken Green ensured the tie necessary for the European team and to keep the Ryder Cup in Europe.

Other highlights in Cañizares professional career were his two victories in World Team Golfing; in 1982 with his teammate Manuel Pinero and in 1984 with fellow golfer José Rivero, receiving the individual title as well in the same year. Cañizares represented Spain in the 1985 Dunhill Cup, the 1976, 1978, 1980 and 1982 Tennesey Cognac Cup and the 1974 and 1976 Double Diamond.

Cañizares has played on the Champions Tour of the United States since 1997 and has won the Senior Tour and the Toshiba Senior Classic as welll as having had the highest winnings on several occasions. He also plays on the Senior European Circuit.