Jimenez hails Seve after win
ST ANDREWS: Miguel Angel Jimenez became the first Spaniard to win the Senior British Open on Sunday, edging defending champion Bernhard Langer by one shot.
Jimenez dropped only one stroke en route to a final-round three-under 69 and ended on 12-under 276 at the historic Old Course. Jimenez was following in famous footsteps as the second Spaniard to win at St Andrews after Seve Ballesteros won the British Open in 1984.
“This is the place where everyone wants to win and the place where Seve won his second British Open,’’ Jimenez said.
“It has always been my ambition to win here. It feels like I am part of history.’’
The 54-year-old Jimenez played the sort of round every professional golfer dreams of on the final day at St Andrews, and often in unpleasant — occasionally vicious — weather conditions.
Langer shot a 68 to come second. Americans Kirk Triplett (69) and Scott McCarron (68) tied for third alongside Canada’s Stephen Ames (69). All three finished on 10 under.
Jimenez won the Regions Tradition in May, holding off a hard-charging Steve Stricker for his first senior major title.
On Sunday, only by making a vital ninefoot putt for par on the penultimate green had Jimenez held onto his overnight lead.
“I didn’t play too good over the last few holes,’’ said Jimenez. “I didn’t hit many solid shots. And I missed short putts on both the 14th and 15th. At that stage I was feeling the stress. My heart was really pumping very fast.’’