Showing posts with label Miguel Ángel Jiménez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miguel Ángel Jiménez. Show all posts

2/26/2015

McIlroy in Love Surprise

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Rory McIlroy concedes he was very surprised by at the appointment of Davis Love III as 2016 United States Ryder Cup captain.

McIlroy is returning to competition at this week's Honda Classic and teeing up for a first time this year on American soil following a three-week break since winning the Dubai Desert Classic.

But the World No 1 believes it will be intriguing to see Love coming up against European captain Darren Clarke at Hazeltine.

"It came as a big shock when they announced yesterday Davis was going to be the next US captain," McIlroy said.

"It will be great to see Davis and Darren go head-to-head at Hazeltine and they will be formidable opponents.

"I feel they're overdoing it with the setting up of a task force and also talking about all the changes they want to bring in."

"It's been said by a few players since we won at Gleneagles that it's not rocket science why Europe have won the last three Ryder Cups and eight of the past 10.

Love captained the US team in 2012 in Medinah when they blew a 10-6 lead going into the final day to lose the trophy.

"Davis is going to be a great captain and it was a freak we won at Medinah in 2012, and it was not supposed to happen given they had a 10-6 lead.

“If the States had of won Davis would have been looked upon as a great captain.

"So I get the sense the States, what with their task force and everything that came out in the announcement yesterday, that they're desperate to win back the Ryder Cup.

"And I will say it again because it's not that complicated why Europe has been winning."


2/23/2015

Clarke Looking for Hazeltine Effect

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Darren Clarke hopes being Europe’s 2016 Ryder Cup captain can have a galvanising effect on his performances.

The Northern Irishman is without a title since his memorable 2011 British Open victory at Sandwich, the only major championship win of his career, and is now down to 470th in the world rankings.

“Obviously my own competitive instincts haven’t been too good of late,” Clarke said on Monday.

“The captaincy might actually be a blessing in disguise in terms of my golf because it will take my mind away from practising too hard and I’ll have a lot of things to focus on. Hopefully it will help me play a little bit better.”

Clarke accepts, however, that the demands of the Ryder Cup role are bound to affect him on the fairways as the biennial team event draws closer.

“This year I don’t think the captaincy will make an awful lot of difference but I would imagine next year it would make a big difference in my playing schedule,” he said.

Clarke has won 14 times on the tour and will have a chance to make it 15 when he competes in this week’s Joburg Open in South Africa.

The 46-year-old was named Ryder Cup captain last Wednesday after winning the unanimous vote of a five-man selection panel that included the last three skippers, Paul McGinley, Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie.

Clarke looks likely to be up against Davis Love III when Europe chase a record fourth successive victory against United States in Hazeltine, Minnesota next year.

Love is expected to be announced as American captain on Tuesday.


9/03/2014

Harrington Joins McGinley Team


Paul McGinley has named Padraig Harrington, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Jose Maria Olazabal as his final vice-captains for the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles later this month. The tthree have 17 Ryder Cup appearances between them,

They will join Des Smyth and Sam Torrance in McGinley's back-room staff as the home side look to retain the trophy against the United States from September 26-28.

Olazabal played in the contest seven times and captained the side in the 'Miracle at Medinah' in 2012, while Harrington has made six appearances and Jimenez four. Jimenez was vice-captain to Seve Ballesteros in 1997 and Olazabal two years ago and was also made captain of the European team in the inaugural EurAsia Cup by McGinley.

McGinley said: "I know it's been common in the past to have three or four vice-captains but I've gone for five because I feel an extra person is justified due to the additional workload which comes from being the home team, in addition to how well I saw such a system working when we ended up having five vice captains under Colin Montgomerie at Celtic Manor in 2010 (Sergio Garcia was a late addition).

"Padraig is my oldest friend on Tour and is a guy I have known most of my life. We went to school together, came through the amateur ranks together and have been together in many contests for both Ireland and Europe over the years, so I know what he can bring to the team room.

"As far as Miguel is concerned, he is someone that the spectators love as well as being very popular with all the players. However, he is also a person that I respect very much. I have sat beside him for over a decade on the Tournament Players' Committee and have seen him exhibit an integrity on many occasions that is very admirable.

"Finally, Jose Maria's passion for the Ryder Cup is recognised the world over. It was obvious in his legendary partnership with Seve and was also so very apparent two years ago at Medinah, so I'm delighted he has accepted my invitation to be involved again, once more maintaining that important continuity."

"I have complete confidence and trust in all five of my vice-captains and the help they will give me in the difficult quest of trying to retain the Ryder Cup."

Harrington said: "I am really looking forward to being part of the Ryder Cup from a different angle to the playing side. That aspect of things is something that really interests me and I'm therefore delighted that Paul has given me the opportunity.

"Paul is a good friend of mine and I think he's done a great job in the captaincy thus far, therefore I don't necessarily think he needs that much help. But he knows I'm happy to get involved behind the scenes to give him and the players as much assistance as I can."

Jimenez, whose EurAsia Cup team secured a dramatic 10-10 draw in Malaysia in March, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed being captain of Europe at the EurAsia Cup which was a great opportunity for me and I am looking forward to bringing the experience I gained there to the team room at Gleneagles. I have a great relationship with all the players, having played alongside them regularly over the years."

Olazabal added: "Everyone knows how much the Ryder Cup has meant in my career and it's an occasion that I love being part of. It is a unique and special event - and I know that will be the case once again in Scotland in three weeks' time.

"I think we have a very good team in place but, as Paul said yesterday, we are under no illusions about how formidable a test the United States team will present. But he knows I will do everything I possibly can to help him and the players throughout the week."


6/17/2014

Fota Eyes are Smiling


After the excitement of another European victory in the US open Championship – the fourth in five years - the golfing spotlight now falls on Fota Island Resort and the Irish Open in Co.Cork.


As they packed their bags to fly back to Europe after the thrills and spills of Pinehurst, many of the leading contenders were already turning their attention to one of the top events on The European Tour International Schedule.

Although they didn’t figure in the shake-up, which carried Martin Kaymer to his second Major title, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell couldn’t resist sneaking a look forward to this week’s action.

McIlroy, who closed with a 73 for a tie for 23rd place three years after his Kaymer-esque performance in Washington, said: “I don’t know Fota at all and I’ve never been to Cork, unbelievably. It’s going to be good. Irish Opens are always great events – they are always so well supported and so well attended, so I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ve heard great things about the course, so I’m really looking forward to getting down there and seeing it for myself. I vaguely remember watching the Irish Open on TV when it was there in 2002. It’s a parkland golf course, which will be nice after last week at Pinehurst, where I made only nine birdies in four rounds.

“I’m a little disappointed I didn’t do better this week, but I’m really happy with where my game is right now and it’ll be the first time playing in Europe since I won the BMW PGA Championship.

“I’m going there third in The Race to Dubai so there’s a lot to play for and hopefully I’ll have a great week.”

McDowell added: “The Irish Open is always special to us as Irish players. Fota Island was my Irish Open debut and it’s got good memories, good thoughts, a great venue. Everyone is going to be very excited and very pumped up. It should be a great Irish Open. I’m very excited about it and I’m going there with my game in decent shape.”

Tied on 28th spot with McDowell was Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, who is fast becoming a big attraction on The European Tour after a dazzling year in which he has established himself as a leading contender for big titles.

“I have never played there but everyone I speak to about it can only say good things.” commented the Frenchman.” I’m excited about going back to play in Europe as I’ve only played once there so far this year – in Sweden. The crowds are always very good in Ireland and they appreciate good golf.”

Germany’s Marcel Siem was unable to reproduce the brilliant golf of his countryman Kaymer, but he hopes to takes that inspiration to Fota Island Resort, where he played in the Irish Open 12 years ago.

“I played there in 2002, which was my first year on Tour, and fell in love with it” declared Siem, whose final round of 70 helped him to a tied 12th finish in America alongside defending champion Justin Rose. “When I heard the Irish Open was going back there this year I was very happy. It’s a great course and generally a good place to be. The Irish Open is one of the best-attended events on Tour so I’m looking forward to feeling that atmosphere again.”

Irish golf fans are also poised to enjoy the professional debut of hugely talented English youngster, Matthew Fitzpatrick, who concluded his glittering amateur career with a closing round of 69 at Pinehurst to claim the amateur silver medal.

Fitpatrick has all the credentials to reach the peak of the pro game and he enthused: “I’ve never played there but I’ve heard great things about it and I’m excited to see for myself. It’ll be very different from Pinehurst, that’s for sure.

“I’m really looking forward to making my debut as a professional and it’s great to be able to do it in such a strong field. Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell are world-class, but there are so many other great players playing too. It’s exciting stuff.”

6/04/2014

McIlroy Golfer of the Month

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Rory McIlroy has been named The Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Month for May following his glorious victory in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club. 

The Northern Irishman came from seven shots back going into the final round to triumph by one stroke from Shane Lowry in The European Tour’s flagship event, rubber-stamping a truly stellar month for European Tour Members around the world. 

McIlroy, who receives an engraved alms dish and a Jeroboam of Moët & Chandon champagne, closed with a magnificent round of 66 over the famous West course, moving to second place in The 2014 Race to Dubai after claiming his first professional victory on European soil and sixth European Tour title in total.

The 25 year old said: “Winning The European Tour’s flagship event at Wentworth was something very special. My first victory on European soil is a really important and welcome addition to my career titles to date.

“The European Tour has always been good to me, and this win really cements the great relationship we enjoy. To have won the BMW PGA Championship, and with it the Golfer of the Month award, is the coming together of some really good, recent form. Hopefully the win will be the start of a big season’s golf for me.”

The European Tour Golfer of the Month Panel, comprising members of the Association of Golf Writers as well as commentators from television and radio, focused their attention on winning and exceptional performances in The Race to Dubai on The European Tour International Schedule where Chile’s Felipe Aguilar (The Championship at Laguna National), England’s Daniel Brooks (Madeira Islands Open – Portugal – BPI) and Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee (Nordea Masters) were all champions, in addition to Miguel Angel Jiménez extending his record as the oldest European Tour winner with a play-off success in the Open de España at the age of 50 years and 133 days.

Consideration was also given to performances worldwide, with Martin Kaymer, who holed the putt that won Europe The 2012 Ryder Cup, returning to top form with his win in The Players Championship on the US PGA Tour, while Colin Montgomerie collected his first Senior Major Championship with a four shot win ahead of United States Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson in the US Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, in which Germany’s Bernhard Langer finished tied third following his Insperity Invitational triumph.

James Haddock, Golf Reporter for Sky Sports News, said: “Rory stepped up his game as the week progressed at Wentworth to claim the prestigious BMW PGA Championship title. This was a week when Rory displayed the human side, his ability to face the media and not shy away from things, and, more importantly, despite everything going on around him, his ability to get out onto the golf course and get the job done. This was all we love about Rory and his game.

“Notable mention, however, must go to Miguel Angel Jiménez and Colin Montgomerie for two outstanding performances. Miguel broke his own record as oldest winner on The European Tour on which he continues to entertain us and is such a joy to watch. And it was also a pleasure to watch Monty end his hoodoo in America with a victory and a senior Major title – rolling back the years with four imperious rounds in which he was almost faultless from tee to green.”

Derek Lawrenson, Golf Correspondent of the Daily Mail and Chairman of the Association of Golf Writers, said: “This was surely one of the hardest months to judge in the history of this award, with so many worthy candidates. It seems almost perverse not to give it to the ageless Miguel Ángel Jiménez, following his record-breaking victory in his native Spanish Open, or Colin Montgomerie for winning a senior major championship after all his heartbreaking near misses in the regular ones. Or Martin Kaymer for his brilliant victory in The Players Championship, or Thongchai Jaidee for holding off golfers of the calibre of Victor Dubuisson and Stephen Gallacher to win a play-off for the Nordea Masters in Sweden. 

"Ultimately, though, it’s impossible to ignore Rory McIlroy winning the BMW PGA Championship. It is, after all, The European Tour’s flagship event, boasting such a class field, and the thrilling manner of the Northern Irishman’s victory just topped everything off nicely, as he came from seven shots behind on the final day to triumph.” 

Miguel Angel Jiménez (December), Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher (January), France’s Victor Dubuisson (February), Welshman Jamie Donaldson (March), France’s Alexander Levy (April) and McIlroy will all be considered, along with the next six monthly winners, for The 2014 European Tour Golfer of the Year Award which was won in 2013 by Sweden’s Henrik Stenson following his DP World Tour Championship, Dubai victory which secured the Number One spot in The 2013 Race to Dubai.


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3/07/2014

El Mecanico Congratulates Smyth


Miguel Angel Jiménez was the first man to welcome Des Smyth as his Vice-Captain for the inaugural EurAsia Cup presented by DRB–HICOM.

Smyth was revealed as one of Paul McGinely’s Ryder Cup Vice-Captains for the biennial clash with the USA in September at a media conference in Dublin this morning, where it was also announced that Smyth will be Jiménez’s right-hand man in Malaysia when Europe travel to the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club to face Asia in the inaugural EurAsia Cup from March 27-29.

Jiménez will act as playing Captain of the ten-man European team, meaning Smyth’s experience as a two-time Ryder Cup player (1979 and 1981) and Vice-Captain (2006) will be vital as the Irishman assumes a leading role behind the scenes in Malaysia.

“I am delighted to welcome Des to the team for the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB–HICOM,” said Jiménez. “Des is a man with a lot of experience and someone I know I can trust so he will be a great Vice-Captain.

Paul McGinley and I have spoken a lot about the EurAsia Cup team and how important an event it is in terms of The Ryder Cup. A lot of the guys on my team could be playing for Paul in September so the EurAsia Cup is a great opportunity for Des to reacquaint himself with the experienced players and integrate with the younger guys.”

Smyth is relishing the opportunity to be part of the inaugural EurAsia Cup with Jiménez and the nine other members of Team Europe - Thomas Björn, Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño, Stephen Gallacher, Pablo Larrazábal, Joost Luiten, Graeme McDowell and Thorbjørn Olesen.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Miguel and the European players at the EurAsia Cup. I already know a lot of the players such as Graeme, Thomas, Gonzalo and Stephen and I am looking forward to getting to know the rest of the guys.

“I feel I can bring a lot of experience to the role of Vice-Captain and I will be there to support Miguel and hopefully offer some good advice when required. I am thrilled to have been asked to be a Vice-Captain for both The Ryder Cup and the EurAsia Cup and I’m looking forward to getting started in Malaysia in a couple of weeks.”

The announcement of Smyth as Vice-Captain to Jiménez means the teams for the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB–HICOM are now complete after Asian Captain Thongchai Jaidee announced Boonchu Ruangkit as his Vice-Captain earlier today.



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10/09/2013

Early Defence for Lowry

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Shane Lowry will begin his Portugal Masters defence alongside home hero Ricardo Santos and former Ryder Cup Captain José María Olazábal from the tenth tee at 8.20am on Thursday morning.

This will be the first in a run of marquee three balls to hit the 7,192 yard Oceânico Victoria Golf Course during round one, with two time runner up Francesco Molinari next to tee off.

The Italian has come within a whisker of this title on two occasions in consecutive years from 2009, and fresh off securing the winning point at last week’s Seve Trophy by Golf+ he will no doubt be brimming with confidence. Molinari will have fellow Continental Europe team members Nicolas Colsaerts and Joost Luiten for company at 8.30am, both of which showed great form at Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche en route to their team’s first victory in 13 years.

Next off, at 8.40am, will be an all British trio including Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles winner Tommy Fleetwood. He will play the first 36 holes alongside one of the men he beat in the play-off for that maiden title, Stephen Gallacher, as well as Welshman Jamie Donaldson, who won for the second time on Tour earlier in the year at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

Former Champion Alvaro Quiros, who won this title in 2008, is next off alongside Thomas Aiken and David Lynn, while Alex Noren, Marcel Siem and Chris Wood are all out one group later at 9am.

After the excitement of the morning’s play, there will also be plenty for the galleries to follow in the afternoon half of the draw on day one.

Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley will begin his week from the first at 12.40pm alongside two players who will hope to be in the Irishman’s team come Gleneagles next September, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Danny Willett.

They will be swiftly followed by Omega European Masters winner Thomas Björn, former World Number One Martin Kaymer and BMW PGA Champion Matteo Manassero, all of which will be looking to add to their trophy haul in the Algarve.

The latest stroke play champion on The European Tour, David Howell, won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship a fortnight ago to end a seven year victory drought. He is off at 1pm alongside Paul Lawrie and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

While one group later is Ross Fisher, who three putted the 18th green to hand Shane Lowry the title 12 months ago. He will tee it up alongside last year’s 54 hole leader here, Bernd Wiesberger, and Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño. 

They will be followed by Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, 70° OPEN D'ITALIA LINDT winner Julien Quesne, and two time European Tour winner Pablo Larrazabal at 1.20pm.


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9/15/2013

McGrane Goes Dutch

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Damien McGrane carded a final round of one under par at the KLM Open to secure a share of third place in Zandvoort in Holland. 

Shane Lowry slipped on the last day to sign for a round of 73 and finish 26th, four ahead of Paul McGinley.

David Higgins finished 58th and Simon Thornton 63rd.

Kevin Phelan ended his arrival into the professional ranks in Holland by making the cut and a 67th place finish after rounds of 71, 68, 73, 74. 

But it was Joost Luiten who made it a day of double Dutch delight with victory in the KLM Open after compatriot Daan Huizing won the Kharkov Superior Cup on The Challenge Tour.

Minutes after Huizing secured a two shot win in the Ukraine, Luiten beat Miguel Angel Jiménez on the first hole of a sudden-death play-off at Kennemer Golf Club to become the first home winner for a decade.

A par on the 18th was enough to give Luiten his third European Tour title and second of the season after Jiménez three-putted from long range.

Jiménez, already the oldest winner in European Tour history, began the day a shot behind playing partner Luiten but quickly moved into the lead courtesy of a hat-trick of birdies from the second.

The 49 year old, who broke his leg in a skiing accident shortly after his win in the Hong Kong Open aged 48 and 318 days last November, missed from two feet for a birdie on the 12th but soon enjoyed a two shot cushion when he birdied the next and Luiten bogeyed.

However, Luiten birdied the 14th after a superb approach to five feet and got back on level terms on the next when Jiménez failed to get up and down from a greenside bunker.

Both players bogeyed the 17th and parred the last to finish tied on 12 under par, Jiménez carding a 67 and Luiten a 68.

They returned to the 18th for the play-off and Jimenez needed a fairway wood for his second shot into a strong wind on the 400 yard par four, just finding the front edge of the green.

However, the 19-time European Tour winner charged his birdie attempt six feet past the hole and missed the return, leaving Luiten to hole from three feet for the win which brought a massive cheer from the packed galleries.

"Miguel was playing great, especially on the front nine when he started with four birdies in six holes and I was struggling a little bit," said Luiten, who won the Lyoness Open powered by Greenfinity in Austria earlier this season.

"I made a few mistakes and although I saved par each time I thought to just hang in there until the back nine and hopefully I can make a move there and that happened."

Luiten finished second to Ross Fisher at Kennemer in 2007 and added: "It was my first year and a great week but it definitely gave me the taste for more and to win it now I can't believe it yet, it's unbelievable. I think tonight it will hit me.

"I don't know what it means for Dutch golf but I think it's pretty big. Maarten Lafeber won it in 2003 and that was huge, and to have another Dutch winner now I think it will help the game here and hopefully we can create more Dutch winners for this tournament."

Jiménez, who was seeking his 13th victory since turning 40, said: "Joost played very well and there had to be only one winner. The Dutch Open deserved the winner.

"It was a tough day in the wind and not easy for anyone. I was happy to be in contention once more."

Three-time champion Simon Dyson finished three shots back in a share of third place alongside fellow Englishman Fisher, France's Grégory Havret and McGrane.
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