UPPER ARLINGTON, OHIO— Miguel Angel Jimenez was back on top on a Saturday, this time in the U.S. Senior Open at difficult Scioto County Club. The 52-year-old Spanish player was looking for a better late Sunday afternoon result after missing chances in his last two events.
Jimenez put himself in position to break out of the title funk Saturday, finishing off a 1-under-par 69 in gusty wind and sheets of rain to take a one-stroke lead. He was in a lot better shape in Scotland and Minnesota in the last two tournaments — and came up empty.
Three weeks ago at Carnoustie in the Senior British Open, Jimenez took a four-stroke lead into the last round, only to shoot a 75 and tie for third — three strokes behind winner Paul Broadhurst. Last weekend at the 3M Championship, Jimenez was a stroke ahead entering the final round and ended up losing when Joe Durant shot a 63 and eagled the first hole of a playoff.
“Just keep playing golf and give myself patience. That’s the main thing,” Jimenez said. “Whatever happens, happens.
“Obviously, at the Open in Scotland, I lost that tournament there without playing bad, and here (Sunday) we have to play 18 holes. And whatever happens, happens. Just keep focused and enjoy yourself. That’s the main thing.”
