Miguel Angel Jimenez
Spain
Not one player present at Celtic Manor will have as much experience of professional team golf as the cigar-smoking 46-year-old from Malaga. This will be his fourth Ryder Cup appearance, to which he can add six Seve Trophy caps, plus 11 World Cup and ten Alfred Dunhill Cup starts. Not surprisingly ‘The Mechanic’, as he is fondly referred to on Tour, has the reputation for being relaxed and a “good team man”. Indeed that was why Seve Ballesteros made him his vice-captain in 1997, before he had even played in the Ryder Cup. But the curious thing is that his record in the Cup is not that good. He represented Europe in 1999, 2004 and 2008, and in that time he has won two matches, halved three and lost seven. Lies, damn lies and statistics? Maybe, maybe not, but his popularity with all European golfers remains un-dented and you sense that behind the scenes he is a calm and positive influence.
| CURRENT FORM | ||
| Date | Tournament | Position |
| 29th Aug | Johnnie Walker Championship | 3 |
| 22nd Aug | Czech Open | 7 |
| 15th Aug | PGA Championship | MC |
| 19th Sep | Austrian Open | 15 |
| 5th Sep | European Masters | 1 |
Latest
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.
-
European TourRory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in Rome
McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick leads way at Italian Open despite ‘inconsistent’ display
The US Open champion held a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tom Lewis,
-
European TourRory McIlroy rues a late night until eagle gets him flying in Italian Open
The four-time major winner was only a shot behind leader Matt Fitzpatrick after the first round of the Rome event.
-
European TourRory McIlroy begins Italian Open with superb 67 after recovering from slow start
He kick-started his round by holing out from 115 yards for an eagle on the par-four third.
-
European TourShane Lowry: Golf risks alienating fans with disgusting amount of money involved
The BMW PGA Championship winner insists he was never tempted to join LIV Golf.