Miguel Ángel Jiménez was full of gratitude as tributes poured in from a cast of players that included Major Champions, Ryder Cup stars and close friends, celebrating his achievement of reaching 707 tournaments on the European Tour.
The Spaniard made history on Thursday as he overtook Sam Torrance's previous appearance record of 706 events on the European Tour, which he set in 2010.
Torrance was one of the first players to congratulate him through a video call, just moments after Miguel was greeted by fellow players on the 18th hole at the Forest of Arden, before receiving a glass of red wine and a salver.
Jiménez, who carded an eight under par 64 during the first round of the Hero Open, said the reception had made him emotional.
He said: "I didn’t know those guys were going to come out. I felt the emotion as soon as I saw them.
"I appreciate that very much. Some of them are new players, some I’ve known for many years. It was really nice, very emotive."
Yet there were also a number of players who weren't able to celebrate with him at the event that wanted to pass on their congratulations, and sent Miguel video messages to the man they dub a 'legend', 'inspiration', 'rockstar' and 'icon' of the game.
The video included messages from Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Jose Maria Olazabal, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Henrik Stenson, David Howell, Rickie Fowler, Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, Bernhard Langer, Lee Westwood, Ian Woosnam, Ernie Els, Thomas Bjorn and European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley
In response, Miguel took to social media to thank players, family and fans that helped him celebrate 'a special day'.
He said: "I want to say thanks to all my colleagues and professional golfers, all my fans, my family and everyone that has supported me during these 32 years of moving around the world.
"Golf has given me everything in life. To me golf is not only a business, it is a way of living, and I cannot say anything more than thank you very much to all of you.
"I promise you, I will still be playing golf as long as I can. I am 56 years old now but I still love what I am doing. I hope to see you on the golf courses and around. A big hug to all of you."
A special day. I will never forget this. Thank you to my fellow professionals, my family and all the fans for your incredible messages. #Miguel707 🕺 pic.twitter.com/nn293CsOml
— Miguel Angel Jimenez (@majimenez1964) July 30, 2020
