Rolex Series

Miguel continues Wentworth love affair on 30th appearance

Miguel Ángel Jiménez started his 30th BMW PGA Championship in brilliant fashion with an opening 68 at Wentworth Golf Club.

Miguel Ángel Jiménez

The Spaniard made his debut at this event in 1990 and won it in his 19th consecutive appearance in 2008, making an ace at the par three fifth en route.

Another hole-in-one came seven years later at the second, as the Spaniard finished second at the age of 51 to go with five other top tens at European Tour HQ.

Now at 57, he was still entertaining the crowds on the 17th, as an exquisite chip brought a sixth birdie of the day to move him to four under in the third Rolex Series event on the 2021 Race to Dubai.

"I love it very much," he said. "I've played so many times on this golf course, every time I come here I always enjoy myself so much on this golf course. 

"Especially the BMW PGA, it's in superb condition, fast fairways and things, fast greens, and you stay out of the rough, you do very well. Great golf course. I love it.

"I always enjoy coming here. The moment I leave now here this week, to me, this is the best week of all of them.

"I love the fans that after 30 years I've been coming to play here, they know me a long time. A lot of friends here and I really enjoy myself here."

Jiménez broke the record for the oldest winner in European Tour history with his 19th, 20th and 21st victories - an honour since surpassed by Phil Mickelson - and his keys for longevity will be no surprise to his legions of fans.

"Nice wines, nice whisky with a big fat cigar, that's it - and enjoy yourself," he said.

"Of course what other people can see, but gym and work out a little bit and a little cardio and that's the main thing what you need to do."

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