In the words of the European Tour, “there are not many people as much fun in the world of golf as the ever-popular Miguel Angel Jimenez”. So, ahead of the Hong Kong Open, which the 52-year-old Spaniard has won four times, the Tour decided to find out what “the keys to being such a legend” were. And these are his five tips on golf and life:
Make more holes-in-one and hole-in-one than anyone else.
Miguel Angel has a penchant for dramatic moments in golf, and always has. With ten holes-in-one to his credit, including three in the 2015 season, no other player has accounted for more than him on the European Tour.
“It’s because I’m good at what I do,” says the Malaga native. “I love to compete and try to get the lowest score I can. I like to be aggressive and when you’re playing well and thinking well, magical things can happen.”
Celebrate it properly
With the number of holes he holes, it’s no surprise that Miguel has had to build up an extensive repertoire of different celebrations for each occasion. It is some of these that contributed to Jimenez being dubbed “The Most Interesting Man in Golf”.
“Sometimes when I make a good putt or another shot the fans applaud and I try to reciprocate. Whether it’s the sword or the salsa dancing, it’s all fun. I like to see people smile and I’m usually smiling if the ball goes in. You don’t know how often you’re going to hit big shots, so you have to enjoy them as much as you can.”
Stand out in footwear
With his immaculate and famous ponytail, the chrome-plated aviator sunglasses, his simple attire, not to mention his closet full of classic golf shoes, there is no doubt that Miguel is something of a golf fashion icon.
“I like to dress well and look good: it’s important to me. I always make sure I wear the right shoes, handmade in Bologna with Italian sourced leather. There are golf shoes in great style and colors, so why not wear them when you play. It’s nice to stand out a bit. “
Relaxing properly after a round
A famous lover of the finer things in life, whether it’s a good steak, a great red wine or one of Cuba’s finest Habanos, Miguel Angel knows more than most how to unwind from the golf course.
“I love cigars and good wine. That’s how I like to relax after a round or at home. When it comes to cigars, it’s always a Cohiba Siglo VI, and for wine I like Rioja reds, all made with the Tempranillo grape from northern Spain. At home I have a lot of great wines and a humidor for my cigars. It’s good to pamper yourself from time to time”.
Enjoying golf
He is rarely seen on the golf course without a smile. Miguel Angel’s enthusiasm is as contagious as it is genuine. It is evident that this gentleman is in love with life: “The main thing to do on the golf course, and in life, is to have fun. Whatever you do, you need to enjoy it. I love to play golf, so I like to smile and enjoy myself on the course. I’m very lucky to be able to make a living doing what I’m so passionate about.”
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