Miguel Angel Jiménez, who became the oldest winner of continental Europe's oldest golf title after a dramatic three-man play-off 12 months ago, returns to Paris this week aiming to prove that age is no barrier to success.
Jiménez was a sprightly 46 when he captured the Alstom Open de France at Le Golf National by beating compatriot Alejandro Cañizares and Italian Francesco Molinari in sudden death after he had gone into the water when two clear on the final hole of regulation play.
One year on, the flamboyant Spaniard returns to the venue which has been chosen to host The 2018 Ryder Cup feeling confident that a 19th European Tour title is within his compass over a course he knows so well but which almost delivered a damaging blow last time around.
“I still don’t know what happened on that last hole” recalled Jiménez. “I hit a beautiful drive there but maybe I felt the pressure over my eight iron second. But we are human, I made a mistake, but at least I had another chance and took it.”
He added: “It was important to get that win because it helped me qualify for The Ryder Cup Team. The tournament has a great history and I feel very privileged to have my name on the trophy, and I would like to see it there another time. My game is not far away from being very good. Sometimes you just need a good break and I haven’t had many recently. Maybe that can change in France.”
Eight of the last ten winners of the Alstom Open de France are in the field at Le Golf National, including Jiménez’s predecessor, Martin Kaymer of Germany. The current World Number Four is joined by 2008 champion Pablo Larrazabal of Spain, Graeme Storm of England (2007), Jean-François Remesy (2005 and 2004), Philip Golding (2003), Malcolm Mackenzie (2002) and Colin Montgomerie (2000).
Also competing for the title which was first contested in 1906 are American Ryder Cup player Bubba Watson, Spain’s big-hitting Alvaro Quiros and the Italian trio of Edoardo and Francesco Molinari and Matteo Manassero.
England’s Robert Rock, who finally made his big breakthrough in winning the BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi before finishing tied 23rd in the US Open Championship, returns to action alongside a clutch of French players who are trying to emulate Remesy’s success and are naturally excited about the prospect of hosting The Ryder Cup in their native country.
Two players who have experience the unique flavour of The Ryder Cup, Thomas Levet and Jean Van de Velde, are in the field along with Tour winners, Christian Cévaër, Gregory Havret, Raphaël Jacquelin and Jean-François Lucquin.
Jacquelin admitted that there is a sense of elation in France following the Ryder Cup decision last month. He said: “it's really good news and a nice surprise for France. It's going to be great for the country. It's the best that I could imagine for golf in France. So we are all excited about The Ryder Cup in 2018. For myself, I'm going to try as hard as possible to get on the team. I know I will be 44 years old, but that's the goal. Why not?
“It's good for the French Federation, as well but I think we need at least one player on the Team. I played three times in the Seve Trophy but not the one in Paris which was disappointing because thre was no Frenchman involved. I think France and Paris was a really strong candidate. Everything was well organised but until the announcement was made no-one really knew.”
He added: Le Golf National offers a great finish. I think they have a bit of work to do on the course, but it's a good place to take The Ryder Cup. The news I got from the players, they all are very happy to go to Paris. I have played well since the beginning of the year, so I feel pretty confident with my game and the way I'm playing now.
“It's a bit more difficult when you play at your home base. There are many things to do around the golf tournament you can become distracted so that's why I am not going to spend too much time at Le Golf National beforehand. “
