Golf-Swinging wrinklies Jimenez and Watson defy the years (Reuters)
February 8, 2010
By Tony Jimenez
LONDON, Feb 8 (Reuters) – Miguel Angel Jimenez and TomWatson, boasting a combined age of 106, silenced golf’s youngguns in the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic.
Spaniard Jimenez, 46, won the event with a par at the thirdextra hole after he and last year’s European number one LeeWestwood ended regulation play tied on 11-under on Sunday.
The 60-year-old Watson, making a rare European Tour foray,finished his debut appearance in the tournament with afour-under 68 to snatch a share of eighth place.
“Like good wines, with age (golfers) get better and better,”Jimenez told reporters after climbing 30 places to 30th in theworld rankings.
“It’s difficult with these new guns like Rory (McIlroy),(Alvaro) Quiros, Westwood … all of these guys are long off thetee and it’s an advantage for them. But I’m still healthy andstrong and can still play with the ball.”
Jimenez has always enjoyed himself off the course and likesto relax with an expensive cigar and a glass of Rioja but isalso aware he needs to be as fit as a fiddle to keep up with themodern generation of golfers.
“The last three weeks I’ve been in the gymnasium almostevery day,” said the Ryder Cup player.
“I used to work a little in the winter at home but thiswinter I did nothing so I brought my trainer here with me.
WATSON PRAISE
“I work a lot on the cardiovascular side and some abs and onthe lumbar, that is the trick of the gym. Then the recoveryafterwards I sit at the table and have a nice steak, a nicebottle of wine—you need to keep the balance.”
Jimenez, who has captured nine of his 16 European Tourvictories since turning 40, spoke in glowing terms of Watson’sperformance.
“He played impossible golf,” said the Spaniard. “It’sunbelievable. He is a great inspiration for professionalgolfers.”
Watson, who came close to achieving a golfing miracle whenhe lost to fellow American Stewart Cink in last year’s BritishOpen playoff at Turnberry, felt he could have fared even betterthan eighth with some more local knowledge of the Emirates GolfClub.
“Looking back on the week there were a couple of holes that,if I had known just a bit better, I would have fared a littlebit better,” said the eight-times major winner.
“But I also got some good breaks too. It was a learningexperience in Dubai.
“To see this type of economy is spectacular … the amountof construction and the belief this is going to be an economiccentre in the world. I enjoyed it very much.”
(Editing by Justin Palmer; To query or comment on this storyemail sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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