Miguel Angel Jimenez launches one at The Open Championship.
(Steven Newton/Flickr)
THEY CALL HIM THE MECHANIC. I’m referring, of course, to Miguel Angel Jimenez, and today on the CBS telecast Faldo and crew were wondering aloud about the nickname. Were they serious?
One of them said Jimenez got the nickname because he used to look like a mechanic when he played on tour, carrying a rag in his back pocket to clean his ball.
C’mon guys. It says on his European Tour bio that he got the nickname because he prefers driving (not repairing) his red Ferrari. The pony-tailed Spaniard also has a penchant for cigars, red wine and espresso.
If you think some of the old guys on the PGA Tour are having a good year, check out the 44-year-old Mechanic. Jimenez is leading the European Tour Order of Merit, has two wins, and finished in the top 10 at the Masters and U.S. Open. I think he’s a lock for the European Ryder Cup team.
The Mechanic is in a five-way tie for sixth at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, four shots off the pace set by Lee Westwood, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson.
−The Armchair Golfer
This guy is living testimony to the adage that you can’t judge a book by its cover. He is the most unlikely looking guy to be wearing a pony tail or to have the necessary golf skills that he has to have to play at his level. Nevertheless, he has it all and I love his swing. Like John Daly (except his apparent desire to play), he is a breath of fresh air to a game that needs it badly with Tiger out for the year.
You’re right, he is definitely not some tour pro clone. Even the casual golf fan watching a tournament would probably say, “Who’s that guy?” He looks different and goes about his business with apparent nonchalance.
He definitely seems to have the right attitude.
And he definitely blew me away
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