Jiménez ties European Tour appearance record at 706th event

Miguel Ángel Jiménez makes history this week as he equals Sam Torrance’s record for appearances on the European Tour with his 706th start at the Betfred British Masters.

Jiménez will add to a lengthy list of accolades on Wednesday as he hits his latest milestone on the European Tour, marking the 706th appearance of his career at Close House for the Betfred British Masters.

The Spaniard, who finished tied eighth at the Austrian Open two weeks ago, had not hidden his excitement at having the chance to break the record, and admitted ahead of the beginning of the UK Swing that it was a huge motivating factor in him continuing to compete on the European Tour circuit.

“This is one of the reasons why I’m still competing on the European Tour,” said Jiménez, who made his first start at the 1983 Benson and Hedges Spanish Open. “I’m feeling good but I want to make that record. I started motivating myself to be here.”

Jiménez also took a moment to credit Sam Torrance, who made his 706th start during the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles in 2010. He and Torrance have 21 European Tour victories apiece, but Jiménez has his sights set on overtaking the Scot by making it the magic number of 707.

“He’s had a great career, he’s a great player,” he said. “But I am going to catch you Sam!”

Jiménez already holds numerous records on Tour. He broke his own record during the 2014 Open de España to become the oldest winner at 50 years, 133 days, and surpassed Colin Montgomerie when he recorded his tenth hole-in-one on the 148 yard par three second hole during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

He heads into the week full of confidence after his return in Austria, where he recorded a seven under par 65 during the second round - his lowest round on the European Tour since the 2018 Italian Open.

“I played the first tournament after a few months away and I finished eighth there, I was not very happy with my round on Saturday but that’s golf,” he said. “I feel good and it’s nice to be back.

“I feel comfortable, I’m still hitting it good. Not as far as the young players but I still hit it as long as I have ever hit the ball.”

Jiménez will begin his first round of the Betfred British Masters at 13.10, in a group with Brandon Stone and Austrian Open winner Marc Warren.