Miguel Angel Jimenez – his recipe for success?

Miguel Angel Jimenez became the European Tour’s oldest winner after securing the Open de Espana, following a playoff win on the first extra hole.

The 50-year-old beat his previous record set earlier this year at the Hong Kong Open, and becomes the first player to win twice on the tour in 2014.

When asked how he continues to play so well into his later years Jimenez replied: “There is no secret. Good food, good wine, good cigars and some exercise.”

Jimenez’s win sparked a wave of praise on social media, typified by his fellow countryman, Pablo Larrazabal

The tournament went right to the wire as Miguel Angel Jimenez let an early two shot lead slip, allowing Richard Green and Thomas Pieters to come back into contention.

At the end of the days play the trio could not be separated after all three finished on four-under-par.

However, Miguel Angel Jimenez needed only one extra hole to claim the Open de Espana at the PGA Catalunya Resort.

The players nervous began to show as all three failed to find the fairway with their drives, and then the green with their approaches.

Jimenez chipped from the back of the green, narrowly missing the hole for birdie. Green couldn’t get up and down from over the back of the green, and Pieters, who chipped from short of the green, saw his putt agonisingly lip out.

It was then left to Miguel Angel Jimenez to hole out for par, clinching the Open de Espana at the 27^th time of asking.

“I hope I can make the team and defend the European colours in Scotland.”

“It’s amazing. It’s my 21st victory on The European Tour and 27 times I played the Spanish Open. I have been close a couple of times. Today it was very tough out there but I got it in the end.” Said Jimenez

Miguel angel Jimenez’s win sees leaves him just outside the Ryder Cup qualifying spots, and the Spaniard makes no secret of his desire to compete at Gleneagles in September.

“I would love to make The Ryder Cup team, I would break all the records at 50,

“I hope I can make the team and defend the European colours in Scotland.”

Miguel Angel Jimenez Ryder Cup qualifying position