In the words of the European Tour, “There aren’t many cooler cats in world golf than ever-popular Miguel Ángel Jiménez.” So, ahead of the Hong Kong Open – which the 52-year-old Spaniard had won four times – the Tour decided to discover what were “the keys to being such a legend”. His five tips on both golf and life…
Make more holes-in-one and hole-outs than anyone else
Miguel has a penchant for the dramatic moments in golf – and always has. With 10 holes-in-one to his name, including three in the 2015 season alone, no other player has made more aces on the European Tour than this man.
“It’s because I’m good at what I do,” says the man himself. “I love to compete and try shoot the lowest score I can. I like to be aggressive and when you’re playing well and thinking well, magic things can happen.”
Celebrate properly
The amount he holes out, it’s no surprise that Miguel has had to come up with a full repertoire of different celebrations for each and every occasion. It’s moments like this that led to Miguel being nicknamed “The Most Interesting Man In Golf”.
“Sometimes when I hole a good putt or a shot, the fans cheers and I try to give them something back. Whether it’s the sword or the salsa dance, it’s all good fun. I like to see people smile and usually I’m smiling if the ball goes in. You don’t know how often you’re going to hit great shots so you have to enjoy them when you can.”
Wear a strong golf shoe
With the immaculate, world-famous ponytail, the chrome-clad aviator shades, the effortless outfits, not to mention a whole wardrobe of pristine, classic golf shoes, there’s no doubt that Miguel is something of a golfing fashion icon.
“I like to dress nice and look good; it’s important to me. I always make sure I wear proper shoes, handmade in Bologna, full leather from Italy. You can find some great styles and colours of golf shoes so why not wear them when you play. It’s okay to stand out a little.”
Relax properly after your round
Famously a fan of the good things in life, be that a first-rate steak, a premium class of red or one of Cuba’s finest, Miguel knows more than most about how to wind down away from the golf course.
“I love cigars and good wine. That is how I like to relax after a round or at home. When it comes to cigars, it’s always Cohiba Siglo VI and for wine I like different reds from Rioja, all made with the Tempranillo grape of northern Spain. At home I have a lot of great wines and a humidor for my cigars. It’s nice to treat yourself every now and then.”
Enjoy your golf
Rarely spotted on the golf course without a smile emblazoned across that familiar face, Miguel’s enthusiasm is as infectious as it is genuine. You just know this guy is always loving life.
“The main thing to do on the golf course, and in life, is to have fun. Whatever it is you do, you need to enjoy it. I love playing golf so I like to smile and enjoy myself on the course. I’m very lucky to be able to make a living doing what I am so passionate about.”
