‘Just Play Golf’: Hours After Gaining Lead At $2,100,000 Event, Tour Pro Opens About His Mindset About Heading Into the Final Round

The world of golf has evolved over the years. When veteran pro golfers play, their mindset and their approach are vastly different from that of players of the relatively newer generation. Among these veteran golfers, one name has always stood out due to his unique mindset. Miguel Angel Jimenez, known to the golfing community as The Mechanic, has a winner’s mentality that predates Tiger Woods’ competitive nature.

Miguel Jimenez partakes in Dick’s Sporting Goods Open with his winner’s mindset

Miguel Jimenez currently is playing in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open of the PGA Tour Champions alongside other veteran golfers Ernie Els and Brett Quigley. The 59-year-old Spanish Pro is already displaying his winner’s mentality with flair as he approaches the final round.

Also Read: Watch: Miguel Angel Jimenez Makes Two Incredible Aces at the 2022 Cologuard Classic – EssentiallySports

For 34 years, The Mechanic has teed up and astounded the golfing world with exquisite shots. Now, on the PGA Tour Champions, he is once again demonstrating his passion for the sport. There is nothing that matters to Miguel when the game is going on. The PGA Tour Champions proudly shared his vision on their Instagram. “Just play golf, that’s what we’re here for,” he stated.

When on the golf course, Jimenez never beats himself up over a bad game or a bad shot. His simple philosophy is to give it his all and don’t bother. When asked about his play at the DSG Open, he said: “I played very well, very solid both days.”

Speaking about Friday’s game, he added, “Missed a lot of chances for birdie as well as today making 8 under par, no bogeys, very solid. I had so many chances for birdie all day and then I made the one on the 18th, what a finish.”

His words reflect his classic winner’s mindset. It’s about loving the game, it always has been that for The Mechanic. It hasn’t been an easy journey but being competitive helps.

Miguel Jimenez won the PGA Tour Champions 13 times along with 14 finishes as runner-up. In 2022, he was a three-time champion at age 58, showing once and for all that age is just a number. He also won the DP Tour 21 times and made it to the top-5 56 times in 34 years of pro golfing.

His accolades speak for his winner’s mindset. The best thing about Jimenez is he believes in himself. He holds himself to a higher standard of sportsmanship and delivers. Most importantly, he loves to play golf simply for the finesse of the game.

Miguel Angel Jimenez talks about his love for golf and his experience on the Tour

Miguel was 15 years old when he first started playing golf. Of course, he couldn’t turn Pro immediately as most golfers do these days. He served in the military and upon his return, he decided that his love for the game is too strong to ignore. Thus, in 1989, he joined the Pro Circuit at the age of 25.

Back in April 2015, during an interview with Sports Illustrated, Miguel shared his thoughts on his love for golf and the life that accompanies being a Pro player. “I love golf like I love life,” he said.

That explains where his winner’s mentality finds its strength.

“I still feel competitive. I am still competing. I have to say one thing: What I appreciate the most is that I have spent more than half my life playing on the tour. And I’ve played with Nicklaus and Player, with Palmer, with Seve. I’ve played with Tiger and Rory, with all different generations.”

He further explained his approach going into the game and competing against relatively younger players.

“I can say that I identify more with the old style than the new. I move the ball left to right and right to left — more like the way of the artist. The modern game is more about power. Of course, I respect that too, because it is also an art to hit the ball so far.”

When asked about his motivation, he shed light on a very important factor that influences his winner’s mentality. “For me, money is just something you need to live well. But it’s not going to make you happier. You are happy when you do things in life that you like.”

The veteran golfer has a clear idea about his role in the history of golf. He is etching his name in it even now and doesn’t seem inclined to give up any time soon. In the ongoing tournament, he is tied for the top spot after two rounds, and on Sunday can very well add another feather to his already-illustrious cap.

What do you think of Miguel Jimenez’s performance on the PGA Tour Champions this season? Do you agree with his calm and composed approach to the competitive world of golf? Share your thoughts with us below.

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