GOLF:MIGUEL ANGEL Jimenez might be the old man of the European team room but the charismatic Spaniard still knows how to get the job done. His final-day singles point was an integral part in getting Europe over the line in what he hopes is not his last Ryder Cup as a player.
Forget regimented gym routines and hard hours on the treadmill: life’s too short, life’s for living, according to the Jimenez mantra. The cigar-chomping 46-year-old with a taste for the finer things in life, not to mention a fine Rioja, is one of the finest assets the European Tour has.
The pony-tailed one stands out among his peers, often as the joker in the pack. It’s a cunning ruse, for beneath the surface beats an unnerving competitive spirit, a ruthless streak, which has brought so much success.
“In two years I am 48, I don’t know if I make it to another Ryder Cup,” said Jimenez in his broken English when taking his turn at the winner’s press conference. “I can tell you the Ryder Cup is the most passionate event in golf. Of course this might be my last Ryder Cup, but if am able to play in two years time then I play, of course.”
He knocked back the suggestion he is too old and should be looking towards the Senior Tour. “Let me tell you something, I am fours years from senior tour, long way away still. I can tell you about all the old guys, Woosnam, Faldo, Seve, top players in the world. I see all these guys passing away, sorry . . . sometimes I must drink properly,” quipped the Spaniard who was in flying form and full of craic.
“Now I see all these young guys like Rory coming through. I see three generations on this team and for me I want to still be part and competing with them,” added Jimenez, with his curly locks, retro shades and Spanish flag draped around him.
On the course Jimenez was pitted against the big-hitting Bubba Watson and never trailed. By the time he reached the turn he was two up and well on the way to a famous 4 and 3 victory, his first singles win in four Ryder Cups.
The manner in which he closed out the deal said it all. At the 15th he tugged his drive into the bunker, but faced an almost impossible shot when standing outside the hazard with ball well below his feet.
With a seemingly simple flick of the wrists the ball popped up and rolled to six feet. “The only option was to keep my rhythm and it came out perfect. It was important for me to get my point and help the team win back the Ryder Cup,” enthused the Spaniard, showing a majestic touch and fitting finish to the win.
By the time this juggernaut of a sports event comes back around at Medinah in 2012, the Malaga native will have his work cut out to win his fifth Ryder Cup cap. It makes this victory all the more special.
Jimenez’s swing is hardly a thing of beauty, especially compared to the powerful, rhythmic elegance of a Rory McIlroy, but it’s highly effective. Put a wedge in his hands are there are few better.
He’s also one of the most reliable players out there and Monty was right to play him alongside Peter Hanson. The affable Swede was able to lean on his senior partner and together they brought home a win in the fourballs.
Who knows what’s in store for the larger-than-life character, Seve’s vice-captain at Valderrama in 1997.
One thing’s for sure, he’ll be in the thick of the action at Europe’s winning party.
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