The Mechanic, Miguel Angel Jimenez, tinkered his way to a 65 in Friday’s Dubai Desert Classic to take a two-stroke lead over first-round leader Ernie Els. Colin Montgomerie, looking to get into the top 50 in the world for an invitation to the Masters, is tied for fourth, five strokes back.
Els has played bogey-free golf all week, but added only four birdies to his first-round 66 (-6) and currently rests at -10, staring up at Jimenez, who rolled in eight birdie putts on Friday before bogeying the final hole. Said Jimenez, “I am like the good wines, you know. With the age, getting better.”
Jimenez tried the PGA Tour in 2001 but placed 160th on the money list. His career – and his earnings – have surged since he’s concentrated on the PGA Tour, and his Ryder Cup performance last year was proof that the man can play.
Lee Westwood, Miguel’s Ryder Cup teammate and playing partner in Dubai, assessed Jimenez’s game, saying “He’s not the longest hitter. This [course] isn’t particularly long. He manages his game very well, and somebody who putts as well as he does you would always fancy.”
Defending champ Mark O’Meara missed the cut after failing to birdie the par-5 18th hole. Newly appointed Euro Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam followed a disappointing first-round 74 with a 69 and snuck by the cut line at -1. Greg Norman, who continues to delay a Champions Tour debut, withdrew before the second round due to back trouble.
Montgomerie needs a win or a second-place finish to break the top 50 in the world.
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