After all these years, it appears the key to golf's version of the fountain of youth may be cigars, fine wines and fast cars.
Miguel Angel Jimenez, 48 years young, enjoys all three. Recently, "El Mecanico" was better known to golf fans for his - unique - stretching routine on the driving range than for his performance on the course. This week, though, his play at the UBS Hong Kong Open has vaulted him into a share of the lead, and Sunday he will have the opportunity to become the oldest player to ever win an event on the European Tour.
"I love to be in contention," Jimenez told reporters after the round. "It's been a long time since I've been there and I'm happy."
He finished 54 holes at the Hong Kong Golf Club at 10-under 200, a Saturday 68 earning him a share of the lead alongside former major champion Michael Campbell.
"You have to have patience and let everything happen," he explained. "That's what's going to happen tomorrow, stay patient because anyone can win."
The Spaniard, who last won on the European Tour in 2010, served as a vice captain for the victorious European squad at this year's Ryder Cup. He has four top-10 finishes on the European Tour this year, including a T-9 finish at the British Open.
Sunday's round could turn into a generational battle, as Matteo Manassero, the youngest to ever win on the European Tour, sits one shot behind the co-leaders in search of his second victory in as many weeks. For perspective, consider this: Jimenez notched his first career European Tour title at the 1992 Piaget Belgian Open - seven months before Manassero was born.