european tour treasure miguel angel Jiménez has a
self-proclaimed passion for his Rioja wine and aficion
for expensive cigars. the mechanic, as he is known,
has a practice-ground stretching routine that looks
as if the coen brothers had cast will ferrell in the
role of an aging, ponytailed dancer auditioning for
twyla tharp’s troupe. He’s also the vijay singh of
europe, having won more tournaments in his 40s
than any player in the history of that tour. Jiménez
extended that record in the ubs Hong Kong open,
shooting a final-round 65, to win for the third time
at Hong Kong gc, registering his 19th career victory and the 12th since he turned 40. the spaniard
took control of the tournament with birdies on the
seventh through the 10th holes, with a 30 on the
outgoing nine, highlighted by a 5-wood to two feet
on the par- 4 ninth. at age 48, the victory also makes
Jiménez the oldest player to win on the european
tour, edging out des smyth, and extending his
exempt status into his 50s—good news for anyone
who likes watching one of golf’s great characters.
“it’s very nice,” said Jiménez. “i hope it’s not the last
one.”—Jim Moriarty (@GWMoriarty)
07jiméNez;wiNs oNe;for;the;aged
stuart fran Klin/gett Y images
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