Jimenez - I'm like a fine wine

Spaniard feels he is improving with age

Last updated: 9th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Jimenez - I'm like a fine wine

Jimenez: wine and cigar fan

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Dubai Desert Classic winner Miguel Angel Jimenez insists like the fine wines he enjoys so much, he is improving with age.

The 46-year-old Spaniard ended a 20-month wait for a tournament victory last weekend as he saw off European number one at the third hole of a play-off.

Jimenez, known for his love of wine, food and cigars away from the course, was delighted to end his drought and claims he still has many good years left in him.

"Like good wines, with age (golfers) get better and better," he stated after climbing from 60 to 30 in the world rankings on the back of his triumph.

"It's difficult with these new guns like Rory (McIlroy), (Alvaro) Quiros, Westwood... all of these guys are long off the tee and it's an advantage for them.

"But I'm still healthy and strong and can still play with the ball."

Fitness work

Jimenez also revealed that, while he continues to enjoy the finer things in life away from the course, he also makes time for a regular fitness regime to ensure he is still able to compete.

While perhaps not the most obvious candidate for extended gym sessions, the Andalusia-native revealed he always looks to strike a balance between hard work and enjoyment to keep himself competitive.

"The last three weeks I've been in the gymnasium almost every day," he continued. "I used to work a little in the winter at home but this winter I did nothing so I brought my trainer here (Gulf Swing) with me.

"I work a lot on the cardiovascular side and some abs and on the lumbar, that is the trick of the gym.

"Then the recovery afterwards I sit at the table and have a nice steak, a nice bottle of wine -- you need to keep the balance."

Praise for Watson

Jimenez also had special words of praise for fellow golden oldie Tom Watson who finished in a tie for eighth in Dubai despite it being his first trip to the Emirates Golf Club and his first regular European Tour appearance for some 16 years.

"He played impossible golf," added the Spaniard. "It's unbelievable. He is a great inspiration for professional golfers."