Miguel Angel Jimenez determined to make Rio 2016

Joy Chakravarty 09:20 03/02/2016
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  • Miguel Angel Jimenez is currently Spain's No2 golfer.

    Miguel Angel Jimenez, one of the most endearing characters in golf and the 2010 champion of Omega Dubai Desert Classic, has just one goal for the year – to strut around the Games Village of Rio Olympics while smoking one of his beloved Habanos.

    The 52-year-old Spaniard, who broke his own record of being the oldest winner on the European Tour when he won the 2014 Spanish Open at the age of 50 years and 133 days, is close to realizing that dream and he is dedicating himself to making sure that happens.

    Jimenez is ranked 93rd in the world, having fallen behind Rafael Cabrera-Bello (85th) as the second best ranked Spaniard in the world. With world No12 Sergio Garcia almost sure of representing his country, the tussle for the second spot is on.

    Despite having qualified for the Seniors Tour – a place where Jimenez could make a killing the way he has been playing the last few years – he wants to spend the year on the European Tour.

    “I’m going to dedicate myself to the European Tour. The Olympics is close. I’m going to play a little bit more here because I’m third among the Spanish now. I was second before this week, and now Rafa Cabrera-Bello has just passed me,” said the Austria-based Jimenez.

    “I would love to be in the Olympics. I will play more on the European Tour because you have world ranking points than on the Champions Tour. I’m going to try to fight for the second spot for the Olympics. That would be nice if I can achieve that in my career.

    “After all the victories, and being on the Ryder Cup teams, and being 52 years old, to be in the Olympics with a big fat Habano in my mouth, it will be just amazing.”

    Jimenez, who has seven top-10s in 21 starts in Dubai Desert Classic, feels that even though the golf course suits players like him, the long-hitters will still have a big advantage.

    “I enjoy the golf course. I enjoy it and I know that I can hit the ball both ways, fade, draw, high low and all those things. I’m not afraid of any club or any flight,” said Jimenez, who finished runner-up in the Spanish Open and the BMW PGA Championship last year.

    “But obviously, it’s not the same…somebody going with an 8-iron and somebody with a 5-iron to a hole. The golf course is not very long, but you have some dog-legs and long-hitter go over the corners while I have to go to the fairway. It’s different for those guys. They are always going to have an advantage.

    “But I’m not afraid to do anything. I just play golf and enjoy myself.”

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