When Miguel Angel Jimenez broke his leg in a skiing accident last January, I wondered if he’d ever play on the European Tour again.
But to see him a year later, having turned 50 last Sunday and back playing as well as ever, is an inspiring tale.
He lost a play-off for the Dutch Open in September and then broke his own record as the Tour’s oldest winner at 49 when he defended his Hong Kong Open crown in December.
Knowing Miguel, he won’t rest on his laurels. He’ll want to become the first winner at 50. And I certainly won’t bet against him again!
If Miguel gives himself a chance, he’ll do it, in whatever company, because he has the bottle, as shown by winning 13 times in his 40s.
Another victory in the next few months would give him a real chance of making the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
Even if he doesn’t, he’ll almost certainly be part of Paul McGinley’s backroom team, and he would be a good bridge to the European players in the side.
You have to admire Miguel because he started out as a caddie at his local course in Malaga. He performed his duties and collected balls just to make a bit of money. There were no lessons or scholarships, and he made it to the top on his own. That tough upbringing stood him in good stead, and it’s made him determined to enjoy the fruits of his success.
But don’t be fooled by the cigars and the Rioja. Miguel is a serious professional who works as hard as anyone.
Still based in Spain, he picks a schedule that suits him and venues that he enjoys and he usually plays well when he tees it up. He has a simple, lovely swing that needs no tinkering, and the modern equipment allows him to stay competitive. While he can do that, the huge prize money means he’ll stay on tour for as long as possible.
The Spaniard has committed to the Seniors Open at Royal Porthcawl in July, but that’s all at this stage. He might look at playing a few events on the Champions Tour, but American life might not suit him. He tried the PGA Tour at one stage, but he missed the camaraderie of his fellow Spaniards and their sociable dinners.
Miguel is so popular with golf fans. It’s easy to see why, and he would be a good partner in a pro-am.
He’s not a long hitter, so he wouldn’t smash the ball miles in front of you, and he’d be a good guy to have a drink with at the 19th hole.
Age is no barrier in golf and Miguel is the perfect example.
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