Miguel Angel Jimenez likes to relax with a good cigar and a glass of red wine. He might need something a little stronger after Saturday.
“The Mechanic” played solidly over the first two rounds and went into Saturday with a one-stroke lead. But he plummeted into a tie for 11th place after a 6-over 77.
This one started bad - four bogeys in the first eight holes - and didn’t improve much. Still within striking distance of the leaders, Jimenez played the final five holes at 4-over par.
He took double-bogey at the 16th, needing two swings to escape a pot bunker. At the 17th, he lipped out a 3-footer to save par.
He still has an outside shot, going into the final round six strokes behind leader Lee Westwood. But the fun-loving Spaniard said his chances are slim, especially with nine players between him and the lead, including Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Angel Cabrera, Zach Johnson and Phil Mickelson - all major winners.
Jimenez, 49, hoped to become golf’s oldest major winner.
Instead, he’ll likely have to settle for a good smoke and a sip of vino from something besides the claret jug.
Sports, Pages 32 on 07/21/2013