Miguel Angel Jiménez is one of the most charismatic Spanish players today, to the point that he stands out among the most outstanding representatives in the history of our golf, taking into account his record, impact on the fans and international respect.
The celebrated golfer from Malaga, who in this spectacular start to the year has achieved four victories, bringing his total to seventeen, on the Champions Tour – the American Senior Circuit – boasts an extraordinary milestone in his outstanding personal sporting history: having competed in more than a thousand tournaments around the world! This doesn't even include the many national competitions he has played in Spain, such as the Spanish Championships, etc…
Twenty years competing outside of Spain
Such a large number of tournaments spread across four major circuits (the two regular and the two senior circuits in Europe and the United States) represents a whopping 20 years of international competition!, which means 20 years outside of Spain, a figure not recorded until now after making the basic calculations of one week per tournament.
“I’d never done the math like that before,” confesses Miguel Ángel Jiménez. “I kept track of the seasons I’ve spent circling the globe, but I’d never thought of it this way,” admits the man from Málaga, who describes setting this record as incredible because “when you start out, you never think about achieving something like this. I’ve played many tours, and to reach this point and look back on what you’re suggesting seems unbelievable.”.
His sporting career has been equally incredible, competing against the best players from four different generations, as he recalled on the European Tour website: “I’ve played with Seve – our mentor –, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Colin Montgomerie… with players from different generations.” And he’s still competitive at 61.
Miguel Ángel Jiménez became the second golfer in history to reach the milestone of 700 tournaments played on the European Tour, behind Scotland's Sam Torrance, and is now the second player with the most tournaments played, with 723, only behind England's David Howell, who totaled 726 at the end of the 2024 season.
Competing on both the European and American circuits (regular and senior in each case), but present worldwide since earning his card at the 1988 Qualifying School, it's not easy to accurately determine the number of international tournaments he has played, because the validation of some competitions across multiple circuits complicates the task. However, it can be established that he has surpassed the 1,000 mark.
A way of life, a way of relating to golf
Now fully immersed in the middle of his 37th season as a professional, he says that all of this has happened to him “while constantly hitting the ball around the world, because this is what I love. It’s a way of life, and my whole life is connected to golf. My brothers, my children, my wife, we all play golf, and looking around, I think there’s no better way to live than hitting the ball.”.
With 21 European Tour titles to his name, Miguel Ángel Jiménez broke the record for the oldest winner on the circuit by winning the 2014 Spanish Open at 50 years and 133 days old, “but I don’t think about records. All I want is to keep enjoying playing golf and making birdies, which is what I love. When I see that my results aren’t improving and that I’m not competitive, I’ll definitely stop enjoying the competition, but for now I’m fighting for the top spots on the Champions Tour and we’ll see what the future holds.”.
But success doesn't come at a price. In Miguel Angel Jiménez's case, he points out that "what hurts me the most is having missed out on things with my children when they were little because I spent many weeks competing away. I think that has been the biggest sacrifice of my career, the greatest effort I've had to endure to do what I love.".
Often, people on the outside are captivated by the lucrative prizes offered these days. But prizes aren't given away: they're earned. "Nothing falls from the sky. Rain only falls when it's cloudy," Jiménez points out. "It's all about hard work and sacrifice, and I've spent 20 of my 61 years playing golf abroad, by my count. And I'm doing fine with it because I'm doing what I love, because this is a way of life, I insist, and my whole life revolves around golf. I make a living from it, and it's never bothered me, except for not having enjoyed my children more when they were little...".
Twenty years of competing outside of Spain have provided a wealth of experience with different people, in diverse situations, and with valuable lessons, which Miguel Angel Jiménez summarizes as “respect and freedom. That is the most important thing that so many trips around the world have taught me. Respect for everyone else, because your thoughts, which differ from others', don't mean you're right. An exchange of opinions, but with respect for the other person. And the freedom and other values that golf teaches you.”.
Miguel Angel Jiménez, whose illustrious professional career reached stellar heights after he turned 40 in January 2004, has serious rivals on the Champions Tour, “where there are six or seven players who are always fighting for the win: Stricker, Els, Choi, Kelly, and the German Bernhard Langer, who is six years older than me and no one can knock him off the top spots. He has always been among the best, and on the Champions Tour, he is a living record.”.
Langer has the most wins (46) on the American veterans circuit and another 40 on the DP World Tour (in addition to two Masters, which at that time was not part of the European Circuit), but he has not been able to surpass Miguel Angel Jiménez's record as the player who has achieved the most wins (14) on the Circuit from the age of 40.
DETAILS OF AN IMPRESSIVE CAREER
First victory in Europe, with Seve as a witness: September 27, 1992 – Royal Zoute GC (Belgium)
Not just a witness, but also an opponent. Miguel Ángel Jiménez's first victory on the European Tour came at the 1992 Piaget Belgian Open, just weeks after the Barcelona Olympics. With a third-round 64, he denied Seve Ballesteros, who finished third, the trophy, along with players like Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Sandy Lyle, and Darren Clarke, all of whom finished in the top 10. A spectacular debut.
Making his PGA Tour debut in 1995
This year he made his PGA Tour debut in the United States, playing in all four majors for the first time in his career. He didn't win any tournaments on the DP World Tour, but finished second in two, both held in Spain: the Turespaña Open Mediterrania, behind Robert Karlsson, and the Turespaña Open de Baleares, won by Greg Turner.
The Balearic Open, a turning point: May 10, 1998 – Santa Ponsa
To find his first Tour victory on Spanish soil, one has to go back to the 1998 Turespaña Masters Open Baleares. In Santa Ponsa, the golfer from Churriana won by two strokes over Miguel Ángel Martín, who, along with Santi Luna, brought Spanish flair to the week. That victory marked a turning point in his relationship with success: he won another in 1998 and two more in 1999.
The Volvo Masters was the sixth: October 31, 1999 – Montecastillo Golf Resort (Cadiz)
The sixth victory, of course. That Volvo Masters in Montecastillo attracted a host of excellent players: Retief Goosen, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer – who shared second place – Ángel Cabrera, and Sergio García. In his native Andalusia, Miguel Ángel Jiménez earned his stripes.
Balearic Islands, a lucky charm once again: October 19, 2003 – Pula GC
Once again, the Balearic Islands proved to be a lucky charm for Miguel Ángel Jiménez. After four years without a medal, he secured his seventh title at the Turespaña Mallorca Classic, held in Pula. His close friend José María Olazábal tied for first place, he experienced those days as a pivotal moment in his career.
Pica in Wentworth: May 25, 2008 – Wentworth GC (England)
Miguel Ángel Jiménez achieved one of his most significant victories by winning the PGA Championship at the legendary Wentworth course in England. The Spaniard from Málaga secured the tournament after a thrilling playoff, which was won by Briton Oliver Wilson. His performance on the final day was a hole-in-one on the par-3 5th hole, a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
Lee Westwood surrenders to MAJ: February 7, 2010 – Emirates Golf Club (Dubai)
Miguel Ángel Jiménez ended a two-year drought on the European Tour by winning the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, held at the Emirates Golf Club, in a spectacular finish. The Andalusian golfer defeated none other than Lee Westwood, one of the leading figures in European golf at the time, on the third playoff hole. It was another one of those moments that will always be remembered in Jiménez's career.
A love affair with the Ryder Cup: October 4, 2010 – The Celtic Manor (Wales)
The Ryder Cup and Miguel Ángel Jiménez have enjoyed a love affair since 1997, when he served as Severiano Ballesteros' vice-captain at the iconic Valderrama edition. Since then, he has played in the 1999, 2004, 2008, and 2010 editions and again served as vice-captain in 2012 and 2014. His love affair with the Ryder Cup could have continued with the ever-discussed captaincy, but, as he stated in 2017, his time had passed.
A 2010 to remember: December 16, 2010
The 2010 Spanish Golf Gala provided the perfect setting to pay tribute to Miguel Ángel Jiménez's career. At this traditional gathering of Spanish golfers, the man from Málaga was honored, especially for his three European Tour victories that year: the Dubai Desert Classic, the French Open, and the Omega European Masters. To these achievements must be added his contribution to the European team's victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup. A truly remarkable year.
Victory and record: November 18, 2012 – Hong Kong Golf Club (China)
Miguel Ángel Jiménez wrote a new chapter in his sensational golfing career with his brilliant victory at the UBS Hong Kong Open, his third in that tournament. In addition to taking home the trophy, he broke a record: he became the oldest winner on the Tour at 48 years and 318 days. As is well known, that record would soon fall.
Hong Kong with an Andalusian accent:
December 8, 2013 – Hong Kong Golf Club (China)
Miguel Ángel Jiménez's twentieth European Tour victory coincided with his fourth at the Hong Kong Open. Well-positioned from the second round, 'El Pisha' carded a 66 to put pressure on his rivals in the final round. The tactic paid off, forcing a playoff with Thailand's Prom Meesawat and Wales' Stuart Manley, who succumbed in the decisive moment thanks to a superb birdie from the Spaniard.
2014, another year to remember
MAJ split his time between the PGA Tour and the European Tour, making a successful debut on the PGA Tour Champions, in addition to serving as vice-captain to Paul McGinley on the victorious 2014 Ryder Cup team. He won the Greater Gwinnett Championship in Georgia, becoming the 18th PGA Tour Champions player to win on his debut. He was also the third player to win his debut from start to finish, joining Rod Funseth (1983) and Bruce Fleisher (1999). He also became the second Spaniard to win on the PGA Tour Champions, after José María Cañizares, who triumphed at the 2001 Toshiba Classic.
The dream victory: May 18, 2014 – PGA of Catalonia
A perfect 10 Spanish Open, spectacular and vibrant, with the best possible outcome: the victory of a Spanish player, Miguel Ángel Jiménez. He had been seeking this title for a long time, and it finally came to him at 50 years old, before a devoted and enthusiastic crowd who carried him to victory in the playoff against Richard Green and Thomas Pieters.
2015, a year of transition and consolidation
He once again competed around the world with events on the European and Asian Tours, including six appearances on the Champions Tour. He was among the top 30 on the Champions Tour money list for most of the year, but decided not to play in the final tournament of the season, which cost him his place in the top 30.
2016, the best kicker of the Champions Tour
On the Champions Tour, he finished fourth on the money list with just over $1.6 million, playing in exactly half of the 26 tournaments that made up the season. He also led the putting statistics, averaging 1,714 putts per hole.
2017, among the top five for the second year in a row
He enjoyed another productive season on the Champions Tour, with official earnings of $1,538,366 and a fifth-place finish on the Charles Schwab Cup money list, placing in the top five for the second year in a row.
High-level golf for the first 'major': May 20, 2018 – Greystone G&CC (Alabama, USA)
Miguel Ángel Jiménez broke down one of the few remaining barriers he had yet to overcome with his first major victory as a senior player. The 2018 Regions Tradition was the first major title in his category to be won by a Spanish player. It had to be the Andalusian, displaying impeccable golf that took him to a final score of -19, who achieved such a feat.
The Senior Open, also for 'Pisha': July 29, 2018 – St. Andrews (Scotland)
The fifth major of 2018, The Senior Open, also ended in the hands of Miguel Ángel Jiménez. This latest success, moreover, took place in a setting that is special for any golfer: the legendary Old Course at St. Andrews (Scotland). On this occasion, he won the head-to-head battle with Bernhard Langer, whose mystique couldn't overcome the Spaniard's resilience, who led at the start of the final round.
2018, another outstanding year
In addition to adding the two majors mentioned to his record, he was the only player to finish in the top 10 in all five majors. He achieved 13 top-10 finishes and earned 1,939,093.
in dollars, the highest total of his PGA TOUR Champions career. He ranked third with an average of 69.18 strokes per round.
2019, six consecutive years of victories
He was one of three players to finish in the top five in all three Playoffs tournaments, including a victory at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. He also tied for the best Playoffs cumulative total at 45 under par and extended his winning streak to six consecutive years. He finished twelfth on the official money list with $1,295,482 in prize money.
2022, record annual profits
He won the season opener in Hualalai, the Mitsubishi Electric, becoming only the second three-time winner of the event (2015, 2020, 2022). He defeated Steven Alker on the second playoff hole to secure his 11th PGA Tour Champions victory, winning at least once in eight consecutive seasons. He set a new record for official earnings, with $2,247,749 in prize money for the season.
The sweet taste of victory again: February 8, 2025 – Royal Golf Dar Es Salam (Morocco)
After a two-year drought without a victory, Miguel Angel Jiménez secured his fourteenth PGA Tour Champions win by capturing the Hassan II Trophy. He edged out Steven Alker by two strokes, having been tied going into the final round. The man from Malaga shot four under par in each of the last two rounds to seal his return to victory with an eagle on the par-4 17th hole.
Second win in 2025: February 23 – Hoag Classic, Newport Beach CC (USA)
MAJ spectacularly extended his winning streak by winning, in just fifteen days, his second tournament of the season, the Hoag Classic, where he beat golfers of the caliber of Stewart Cink, Ernie Els or Fred Couples, with a wonderful and decisive birdie on the 18th hole, the seventh of his final round.
Third victory in 2025: June 1 – Principal Charity Classic, Wakonda Club (USA)
Miguel Ángel Jiménez secured his sixteenth career Champions Tour victory, his third in 2025, after defeating Denmark's Søren Kjeldsen and Australia's Cameron Percy on the first playoff hole. The Spaniard's birdie proved too much for his rivals, who consistently ranked near the top of the leaderboard, despite pars. His only bogeys in 54 holes explain his final score.
Fourth victory in 2025: June 22 – Kaulig Companies Championship, Firestone CC (USA)
Just twenty days after his third victory of the year, he secured his fourth, complete with a dazzling display of skill against Australian Steven Alker, one of the Champions Tour's leading figures. Three rounds of 70, 66, and 66 strokes led to a final round for the ages, where the man from Malaga staged a remarkable comeback with spectacular shots on the closing holes, culminating in a sensational birdie on the second playoff hole. His masterful putting will be remembered for years to come.
INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS PLAYED BY MIGUEL ÁNGEL JIMÉNEZ
The attached competition table requires some explanation, as some data may raise eyebrows. For example, Miguel Angel has participated in 14 editions of the World Cup (only four are listed here) and in 10 Alfred Dunhill Cup tournaments, yet this summary only lists him as having participated in 6.
In both cases, the reason is that in previous editions, both competitions were part of the official European Tour season schedule and are included in the Tour's global tournaments. Something similar occurs with the tournaments that count towards the PGA Tour and DP World Tour circuits, which are included only in the European Tour global schedule. The same can be said regarding the PGA Tour Champions and Legends Tour events.
Circuit
Tournaments
Senior European Circuit (Legends Tour)
2
American Senior Circuit (Champions Tour)
198
European Tour (DP World Tour)
723
American Circuit (PGA Tour)
63
World Cup*
4
Ryder Cup
4
Seven Trophy
8
Sunshine Tour
1
Open de Linforatique (France) 1988
1
Eurasia Cup
1
Royal Trophy
1
Alfred Dunhill Cup*
6
Benson & Hedges Mixed Trophy
1
TOTAL
1.013
