Miguel Ángel Jiménez is the kind of guy who just hits you right in the feelings.
If you’re looking for something objective, you should probably stop reading now.
Last week I wrote to you about LaFerrari.
This week I need to talk about El Maestro. With Seve’s permission, may God keep him well in Valderrama.
And no, I’m not going to be objective. Sorry.
Anyone craving cold, sanitized, “professional” golf takes can head to Golf Channel or Golf Digest or whatever.
Jiménez is —and always has been— the ingredient that gives golf its flavor.
Someone had to say it, and who better than an ignoramus like me.
Like Poulter or Daly, but with Mediterranean flair and… well, two big ones.
With proper jamón, a glass of Rioja, a Cohiba to warm up and the Srixon Z-Star
A gentleman who reached the very top and still has the heart to tell everyone that, if he regrets anything, it’s not being able to spend more time with his kids.
With his family.
All because he followed the strongest passion he ever had: Golf.
During a tournament in Dubai, Jiménez finished his round, lit a Cohiba, and a marshal came over:
— “Sir, you can’t smoke here.”
Jiménez smiled, put the cigar out… …and twenty meters later lit it again.
The caddie says the marshal just shrugged: “Well… it’s Miguel. Let him be.”
Jiménez doesn’t smoke cigars to get attention. He does it because it’s part of who he is — part of his joy for life and his philosophy of golf:
“Life is to be enjoyed. If I enjoy life, I enjoy golf.
And with a good cigar… I enjoy everything even more.”
I have a photo with him from the 2015 Spanish Open. Ten years ago. I was a volunteer. And he treated us like absolute kings.
He finished second.
To me he’ll always be first — just like he was the year before at PGA Catalunya.
P.S. I’m planning a little gift to celebrate six months together. Don’t miss the next Golfletter!
P.P.S. No, it won’t be a Ferrari or a Cohiba or a Jamón. Shipping costs don’t exactly align with… synergies. Hahahahahaha.
P.S.III: If you know Miguel Ángel Jiménez, tell him to subscribe to the Golfletter so he can leverage next week present!