There promises to be a clash of generations at this week’s Omega European Masters when the European Tour’s oldest winner lines up in the same field as its youngest competitor.
While Miguel Angel Jiménez, just six months shy of his 50th birthday, is at Crans-sur-Sierre for the 25th year running, 13 year old Ye Wo-cheng is making his second European Tour appearance after making his debut aged 12 at the Volvo China Open.
Jiménez, whose two children are both older than Ye, insists he intends to remain a force on The European Tour for as long as possible despite breaking his leg shortly after his historic victory in Hong Kong last season.
“I broke my leg at the start of the year trying to be a Swiss guy on the mountains,” joked the Spaniard. “That was December and it was a long time not playing golf. I put a lot of work in to get fit to play in May.
“Gym in the morning, working, practising - it is what I do with my life. Then also smoke and drink some wine!
“The modern golfer is young and athletic. It is different to when I started; they are all fit, so if you want to compete you need to do it too.
“I’m 55 in the world ranking, playing well and hope to improve. I will play the end of this season then next season start in Volvo Champions and Dubai, and if I am in the match play and Doral. You want to play at that level.”
Asked what keeps bringing him back to the picturesque ski resort, 2010 winner Jiménez added: “You see it this morning? It is beautiful. It is a nice golf course here in the Alps. It is difficult to beat a course like this anywhere in the world.
“I like the ambience from the very beginning from when I first started to play on The Tour. I came here and started to know people, and I played well and enjoyed myself. I always enjoy coming here, the golf course, the scenery, a lot of reasons really.
“I’ve always played well here. I missed the cut sometimes but I have had many top tens, top fives and a win. It has been very good to me.
“Every year I go with Jan and Heidi at the Hôtel Le Miedzor. They are very nice people. From the beginning, they had a room and I shared with Manuel Moreno. Then for the next year they said to confirm again in spring. The year after, for 1991, they said you don’t need to call, just let us know if you don’t come. Since then, every year we have been there. I missed a few Spanish Opens so this is the only one I have played 25 times.”
Ye, born after Jiménez had already captured six of his 19 European Tour titles, is aiming to enjoy the experience of playing in such a high-profile event.
“I’m feeling a little nervous as I’m aware that I’m the youngest player in the field this week, but I tell myself to always stay focus and be relaxed,” he said.
“I just want to do my best and not give myself any pressure. I started playing golf at the age of four and managed to qualify for the China Open this year.
“If I’m not involved in competitions, I’ll be attending school back home in China, but if I’m competing, I’ll make up for lost time by having one-to-one tuitions at night.”
