Jimenez hoping to be the Hero in India

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Feb 12 2015 | 3:45 PM IST
Miguel Angel Jimenez will look to continue his incredible age-defying golfing exploits at the Hero Indian Open as he embarks on his 27th consecutive season on The European Tour.
Having made a perfect start to 2015 with a victory last month in Hawaii on the US Champions Tour, the 51-year-old Spaniard is back on The European Tour and ready to break his own record as the Tour's oldest champion.
Having already set, and subsequently broken that record with victories in Hong Kong and Spain last season, it would take a bold observer to write off the great man, who has won 14 of his 21 European Tour career titles since turning 40 - another European Tour record.
The secret to Jimenez's success is simple, yet tantalising to so many: happiness and hard work. The Spaniard's love of life, which includes those passions for cigars and fine Rioja, make him one of golf's most-loved characters, but behind the happy-go-lucky exterior and the funky warm-up routine lies one of the most hard-working and determined players on the planet.
"People talk about my age and ask if I can still win on The European Tour," smiled Jimenez.
"My answer to that is very simple: I would not be playing on The European Tour if I did not believe I could win. I play against a lot of young kids these days, but I still feel good and know that when I play to my best I can still compete against the young guys, so it is no problem for me.
"Also, the most important thing for me is to enjoy what you are doing and I still love to play, love to travel around the word playing golf and as long as I am still passionate for the game and can compete then I will continue to play the game."
The longevity of Jimenez's remarkable career means he has played through a dramatic period of globalisation in his sport, and he recognises how important countries like India can be for golf as he prepares to tackle the Delhi Golf Club for the first time when the tournament gets underway in a week's time.

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 12 2015 | 3:45 PM IST

Next Story