Veteran golfer Jimenez all geared up for Indian Open

Veteran golfer Miguel Angel Jimenez will look to continue his age-defying exploits at the Hero Indian Open as the Spaniard embarks on his 27th consecutive season on the European Tour.

Having made a perfect start to 2015 with a victory last month in Hawaii on the US Champions Tour, the 51-year-old is back on the European Tour. He is ready to break his own record as the Tour's oldest champion.

"Personally, I am looking forward to playing at the Delhi Golf Club. It would be a great honour to win (Indian Open). I am playing well and still believe I can win more titles on The European Tour," the 21-time winner on the European Tour said in a release Thursday.

"I made a good start to my season with a win on the Champions Tour in Hawaii and I am hoping I can have the same result in India. I'm playing well and feeling good."

Having already set, and subsequently broken that record with victories in Hong Kong and Spain last season, it would take a bold observer to write off a man who has won 14 of his 21 European Tour career titles since turning 40 - another European Tour record.

"People talk about my age and ask if I can still win on The European Tour," Jimenez said.

"My answer to that is very simple: I would not be playing on The European Tour if I did not believe I could win. I play against a lot of young kids these days. But I still feel good and know that when I play to my best I can still compete against the young guys. So it is no problem for me."

The secret of Jimenez's success is simple, yet tantalising to so many: happiness and hard work. The Spaniard's love of life, which includes a passion for cigars and fine Rioja, make him one of golf's most loved characters.

But behind the happy-go-lucky exterior and the funky warm-up routine lies one of the most hard working and determined players on the planet.

"Also, the most important thing for me is to enjoy what you are doing and I still love to play, love to travel around the world playing golf and as long as I am still passionate for the game and can compete then I will continue to play the game."

The Indian Open starts Feb 19.