Sports

Flamboyant Jimenez makes third-round Masters charge

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Miguel Angel Jimenez never has won a major championship, but if he does win one, he would prefer it to be the Masters.

The colorful 50-year-old, cigar-smoking, Rioja-drinking, pony-tailed Spaniard put himself in position to make a final-round run at a green jacket by shooting a 6-under 66 in Saturday’s third round at Augusta National. 
It was the lowest round of the tournament this week, and it moved Jimenez from 3-over to start the day to 3-under shortly after second-round leader Bubba Watson began his third round.

Because of his appearance and his unique yoga-like practice range warm-up routine that has become a YouTube sensation, Jimenez often is likened to “The Most Interesting Man in the World’’ character from the Dos Equis beer commercials.

He is an engaging, endearing and funny and, though his English is good, some of his phrases are a bit twisted.

For example, while discussing his Saturday round, Jimenez said he “played very solid from green- to- tee,’’ which would be difficult to do.

Nevertheless, at age 50 and committed to play his first Champions Tour event next week, Jimenez is again in the mix to win a major championship. He had the 36-hole lead at last year’s British Open before faltering late.

This is Jimenez’s 15th Masters, and he has three top- 10 finishes.

This, however, is his best chance at a green jacket. 

“Minus-6, you cannot complain,’’ Jimenez said. “I love the place. It’s a beautiful place, a beautiful golf course, always manicured and I feel great here. Doesn’t matter how you play, you feel good, because everything is prepared for us the way it is.’’

Asked if he is surprised to be having the success he is at age 50, Jimenez said, “Well, if you are 50 it doesn’t mean that you cannot play well. I’m still moving. I’m still flexible. I still hit the ball. … I hit the ball longer than ever. I’m not a long hitter necessarily, just a medium hitter. But I still play my irons, when I want to play fade or draw, high or low, it still happens. I’m competitive, you know?

“It’s my 26th year on tour, and probably some people say, ‘That’s so many years, that’s got to be hard and that’s got to be hard on the body.’ No, I love what I’m doing, and I hope I’m still in the same condition for another 25. I’m not going to get bored of myself.’’

There is nothing boring about Jimenez, who seems to define the phrase bon vivant. 

When Jimenez plays Augusta, the azaleas stop and smell him.

“He’s one of those guys I like to people-watch and just kind of watch him move, you know, see how he rolls,” Phil Mickelson said at last year’s British Open. “I’m amused by his warm-up routine. I always get a kick out of that. I’ll actually arrive early to the course to watch it. He’s just an entertaining fellow.”

Even Jimenez said he finds his stretching routine amusing.

“Sometimes I’m looking at myself on video, and I’m laughing,’’ he said. “It’s nice, it’s bueno. But you know what is the main thing? I never get injured.’’

Perhaps Tiger Woods, not playing the Masters this week and likely out until summer following back surgery, should look into Jimenez’s warm-up routine.

“Well, the fans like to see that,’’ Jimenez said. “That is a little funny what you see there, but it helps to move the joints, you know?’’

Though Jimenez will play that Champion Tour event next week, playing against the older guys is not his plan the rest of the year. He has loftier goals: winning his first major championship and making is fifth Ryder Cup team.

“It will be different to feel younger than the other guys [playing on the Champions Tour], but my goal is not to be part of the Champions this year. My goal this year is to get in the Ryder Cup,’’ he said. “If I am on the Champions, I’m not in the Ryder Cup, simple. I’m still going to commit to the European Tour. Obviously, I would love to play everything, but you need to rest and you need to commit to something.

“I have a chance to play the Ryder Cup, and I would love to play the Ryder Cup.’’

A Masters victory would seal a Ryder Cup spot for Jimenez, whose nickname is “The Mechanic’’ for his constant work on his game.

“That would mean a lot,’’ he said. “I have plenty of victories in my career and having a major in my career would be amazing. That would be the flower on top to say so.’’