Chipping In - Jiminez the Great

Chipping In is a weekly column by Golf journalist Nick Bonfield 

Jimenez the Great

Well, what can you say that hasn’t been covered before? On Sunday, Miguel Angel Jimenez beat Belgian Thomas Pieters and Australian Richard Green with a par on the first play-off hole at the Open de Espana to earn his 21st European Tour title. The gregarious Spaniard continues to defy age and convention and re-write the history books, having now broken his own record as the European Tour’s oldest winner for the second time. It was also his first win in the Spanish Open at the 27th time of asking and propelled him to within touching distance of the European Ryder Cup automatic qualification places.

It’s truly remarkable for someone of such age to achieve so much success at the top level, especially considering his modest length and the nature of the modern game. I read an article by Wayne Riley recently pertaining to Jimenez’s stature and ability when he first came on tour. According to the Australian, there was nothing spectacular, or even noteworthy, about Jimenez. But the Spaniard has always retained the most important characteristic when it comes to golf, and indeed every other sphere of life: self-belief. His inherently confident nature, coupled with a strong work ethic and a sense of perspective, has made him one of the most prolific Europeans of the modern generation.

What’s even more astonishing is the fact his form is showing no signs of subsiding. He finished inside the top 10 at The Masters, won on his Champions Tour debut and won his national Open – all within the space of five weeks. He’s on the verge of making more history as the oldest Ryder Cup player, and even if he doesn’t qualify on merit, Paul McGinely would be hard pushed to neglect a man whose quality, experience and zest for the game continue to grow.

Building bridge for Spain

The Open de Espana was a great eventsupported by a host of top players on a fantastic, challenging and scenic golf course. It’s a shame – given Spain’s viability as a tournament host – that it’s the only European Tour event on Spanish soil this season. That said, I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom. The Open de Espana’s strength of field proved professionals are willing to support events with rich heritage in accessible, temperate and traditionally popular golfing regions, in spite of relatively meager prize pools.

I know it will take some time to restore Spain to it's former glory, but events like the Spanish Open show there’s a market. If we see a little more prize money next year and the event continues to be staged on top golf courses - with the aforementioned factors set against the backdrop of improved economic conditions in Europe – then there is cause for optimism. It’s a great shame to see the likes of Valderrama not featuring on the European Tour, and a string of popular, well-attended Spanish tournaments is what we need to persuade those with appropriate power that Spain can play a starring role once more.

Caddy fiasco

It’s been unfortunate to see some fallout following The European Tour’s decision to carry on playing after the death of Iain McGregor during the final round of the Madeira Islands Open. I can understand why some felt play shouldn’t have continued, even if I don’t belive carrying on should be construed as a sign of disrespect. A number of bodies and parties were consulted in the decision-making process, something based on what Mac, as he was affectionately known, would have wanted. Those proffering opinions on the matter were well qualified to do so – including Mac’s caddy, Alastair Forsyth – a fact I hope those in disagreement take into consideration. They may have felt the right decision wasn’t made, but it certainly wasn’t because of a lack of respect, care or compassion.

PGA Tour:

Todd too Good

Congratulations to Brendon Todd, who again helped demonstrate just how vast the body of talented 20-something Americans is on the PGA Tour. He demonstrated a brilliant short-game en route to a closing 66 to record his first PGA Tour title. In a parallel to the likes of Russell Henley, Harris English, Patrick Read and Chris Kirk – fellow countrymen in the same age bracket with similar career paths – Todd demonstrated an impressive aptitude given the circumstances. These youngsters are competitive and confident with an intrinsic belief in their own ability, and their achievements only serve to encourage others in the same demographic. It’s an exciting time for American golf, and given the competitive nature of the collegiate system, improvements in technology and increased emphasis on conditioning at all levels, it’s not something I see changing any time soon.

Wonderful week for Weir

You can’t help but feel pleased for Mike Weir, given the loss of form, swing changes and injury he’s endured over the last few years. He led for a time at the Byron Nelson, but I’d suggest he’s absolutely delighted with his second-place finish – his best result since the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in February 2009. Talk about timing, too. Weir was in the last year of exemption on the PGA Tour (10 years for winning The Masters, plus a year for a medical reasons) and he’s now all-but secured his card for 2014/2015. He’s a good player with major-winning pedigree, a brilliant short-game and an excellent work ethic, so it’s great to see him playing well again.

Also, congratulations to Adam Scott, who reached the summit of the world rankings for the first time despite not playing last week.

Next week, the stars of the European game – including 11 of Europe’s 2012 Ryder Cup team – head to Wentworth for the BMW PGA Championship, the European Tour’s flagship event, while the PGA Tour stays in Texas for the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial.

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