Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez declared on the eve of the Volvo Champions event in Durban that the day he loses motivation to win will be the day packs up his golf clubs and belongings and goes home.

Jimenez, who turned 50 last Sunday, is returning to competition for a first time since capturing a third Hong Kong Open title, and when the Malaga-born golfer extended his ‘oldest-ever European Tour winner’ record with victory on the suburban Fanling Course.

And on the eve of the $4m event here in Durban he had been asked by www.golfbytourmiss.com what kept him motivated.

Miguel Angel Jimenez looking to light up this week’s Volvo Champions. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)

Jimenez’s answer was a three letter word – win!

“I turned 50 a few days ago and I look in the mirror and I see the same guy so he has not changed,” said Jimenez. 

“He still wants to win, win, win and that’s the one thing that keeps me motivated.

“One thing is for sure, if I can keep playing well that is good but if the best I can do is finish 50th then I will pack and go as there is nothing for me to do.

“If I am just playing on the Tour to make a salary, then it’s better for me to go home.

“So the motivation for me, and why I work so hard all through the year, and why I keep going, is because I love to compete and I love to compete with the best and I want to win.

“You can’t win every week, but if I play well and I am confident I can win a tournament, I will still be here.

“That’s my motivation.  Win! (raising a pumped right arm).”