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Jiménez and Olazábal to bring Iberian excitement to St Andrews

June 29, 2018

Ryder Cup legends Miguel Ángel Jiménez and José María Olazábal will bring Spanish flair to St Andrews after confirming their appearances at this year’s Senior Open Presented by Rolex, from July 26-29.

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Jiménez, who won his first Senior Major Championship earlier this year at the Regions Tradition, and Olazábal, who masterminded the Miracle of Medinah as Team Europe won The 2012 Ryder Cup, are just two of a host of superstars who will grace the Old Course at this year’s Championship.

The pair will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of the late, great Seve Ballesteros, who won the second of three Open Championships at the Home of Golf in 1984, by becoming the first Spaniard to lift the Senior Claret Jug as The Senior Open heads to the hallowed links of the Old Course for the first time in its 32-year history.

“Having the opportunity to play a Senior Major at St Andrews is truly a fantastic opportunity,” said two-time Masters Tournament winner Olazábal. “We have seen so many incredible moments on the Old Course, none more so than Seve’s victory in 1984.

“That happened the year before I turned professional; it was one of those moments which inspired my generation of Spanish golfers.

“I know how much that victory meant to him, so to see a Spanish player win The Senior Open at St Andrews would be another truly special moment.”

Jiménez, who has finished eighth, fourth and third in his appearances at The Senior Open, secured his fifth over-50s victory at the Regions Tradition, defeating Joe Durant by three strokes to win his first Senior Major. He is currently in contention at this week’s U.S. Senior Open Championship.

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“To win more than one Senior Major championship in the same season would be a fantastic achievement,” said Jiménez. “I’m feeling really good about my game at the moment; I’ve had some really good results both in America and on the European Tour this season – as well as my win in Michigan.

“This event means a lot to the players on these Tours, and to have the chance to play at St Andrews is wonderful. Over the years it has been a fantastic test, and it’s great that we have the opportunity to return in July.”

Joining the Spanish pair are a host of Major Champions, Senior Major Champions, fellow Ryder Cup players and countless European Tour winners including defending champion Bernhard Langer, Tom Lehman, Paul Broadhurst, Colin Montgomerie, Sir Nick Faldo, and Ian Woosnam.

Tickets, starting at £13.50 per day, are available now on: st.golf/SeniorOpen18Tickets

Under-16s and parking are free.