Magnificent Miguel triumphs at The Home of Golf

Miguel Angel Jiménez summoned up the spirit of the late, great Seve Ballesteros by following in the footsteps of his fellow Spaniard in capturing a Major Championship at The Home of Golf.

Thirty-four years after Ballesteros won The Open over the iconic Old Course, Jiménez was inspired by the memory of his close friend as he joined the pantheon of greats who have triumphed at St Andrews in winning The Senior Open Presented by Rolex.

Jiménez closed with a final round of 69 for a 12-under-par total of 276 to claim his second Senior Major Championship of the year, and his first Senior Open, by a single shot from the 2017 Champion, Bernhard Langer.

“This is one of my biggest victories,” said Jiménez. “It’s amazing to win here. This is my second Major of the year, and it’s amazing to be the winner of The Senior Open here at St Andrews, the Home of Golf.

“There are no words to describe the feeling of holding the trophy on the 18^th green. To have that trophy in my hand in front of the crowd and my friends, and my family is amazing.”

Langer, bidding to win a record fourth title, fired a final round of 68 but his title defence ultimately came up short as Jiménez made the same walk up the historic 18^th fairway as Ballesteros did in 1984. On that occasion, Seve sealed the deal with a birdie at the last, while Jiménez secured his crown by nervelessly sinking a 12-footer for par at the Road Hole to maintain a slender lead.

“That putt on 17 was very important to stay one shot in the lead,” added Jiménez. “It was amazing walking down the middle of the 18^th fairway, and the only thing I needed to do was put the ball in the middle of the green and make two putts.”

Americans Scott McCarron and Kirk Triplett shot 68 and 69 respectively to claim a share of third place alongside Canadian Stephen Ames (69).

Jiménez enjoyed the familiar photo opportunity on the famous Swilcan Bridge on the 18^th and admitted: “It’s amazing to win here at St Andrews; it’s a place where so many people want to win and where Seve played so well in The Open. Now my name is part of history.”