Miguel Ángel Jiménez is hoping he can continue his good record in Wales, by adding to his extensive trophy cabinet with a first Major title at The Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex, at Royal Porthcawl.
The evergreen Spaniard, who extended his own record as the oldest winner in European Tour history after prevailing at the Open de España earlier this season aged 50 years and 133 days, will be making his maiden appearance at a Senior Major this week, after turning 50 in January.
While the 50 year old has enjoyed 21 European Tour wins in his distinguished career, he would love to call himself a Senior Major Champion.
“It would mean a lot,” said Jiménez. “I haven’t won a Major in my career and I would very much like to have a one. Obviously we’ll start by trying to win this one, but you never know what's going to happen.
“I know that I’m considered among the favourites, and I hope that by the end of the week I've got a chance and I'm in contention to win here. But I must respect the other players, as there are some top golfers in this field.”
Many of the assembled field at Royal Porthcawl have already expressed their delight with the course and links set-up down by the Welsh coast.
Jiménez, who is hoping some good performances in the coming weeks will gain him another Ryder Cup spot at Gleneagles in September, is also enjoying what Royal Porthcawl has to offer.
“It's very nice here,” said Jiménez. “Yesterday I played the course for the first time in the Pro-Am, and it was a beautiful day. The golf course looks great and it really is a beautiful track and links course.
“Obviously a win will make me feel the spirit of this place even more, but I only have positive things to say about Royal Porthcawl.”
Jiménez will get his Senior Open challenge under way in a marquee group alongside 2010 winner Bernhard Langer and defending champion Mark Wiebe.
Langer might have won his maiden event in Wales some 34 years ago, but Jiménez has also enjoyed success in Wales before, winning The Celtic Manor Wales Open in 2005.
The charismatic Spaniard also played a key part in Colin Montgomerie’s victorious Ryder Cup side of 2010 – with the Welsh fans providing passionate backing for the European side throughout that week.
“It feels good to be back here in Wales,” he said. “I was thrilled to win The Wales Open in 2005 and that was great considering it was the first time I played in Wales. And then the Ryder Cup here brings back fond memories as always. So I have some special memories to draw on this week.”
