With his trademark victory cigar in one hand, Miguel Angel Jimenez poses with the trophy in the other after winning his home Spanish Open for the first time on May 18, 2014. Having passed 50, he is the European Tour's oldest victor.
Jimenez: Golf's great celebrater —
With his trademark victory cigar in one hand, Miguel Angel Jimenez poses with the trophy in the other after winning his home Spanish Open for the first time on May 18, 2014. Having passed 50, he is the European Tour's oldest victor.
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Jimenez spent the first four months of 2013 in the gym undergoing a rehabilitation program after suffering a broken leg in a skiing accident. The Spaniard underwent surgery after breaking the tibia at the top of his right leg.
On the mend —
Jimenez spent the first four months of 2013 in the gym undergoing a rehabilitation program after suffering a broken leg in a skiing accident. The Spaniard underwent surgery after breaking the tibia at the top of his right leg.
CNN
Food and drink are just two of Jimenez's passions in life -- along with his trusty cigar.
Chilling out —
Food and drink are just two of Jimenez's passions in life -- along with his trusty cigar.
CNN
Another love of Jimenez's is his Ferrari -- he might be laid back but the need for speed still gives him a thrill.
On track —
Another love of Jimenez's is his Ferrari -- he might be laid back but the need for speed still gives him a thrill.
CNN
Jimenez celebrates with a glass of red wine and a cigar after claiming victory at the 2012 Hong Kong Open. He would return a year later to successfully defend his title -- his fourth success at the tournament.
Hong Kong celebrations —
Jimenez celebrates with a glass of red wine and a cigar after claiming victory at the 2012 Hong Kong Open. He would return a year later to successfully defend his title -- his fourth success at the tournament.
Getty Images
Jimenez and Ryder Cup teammate Lee Westwood toast Europe's victory in the 2010 event at Celtic Manor in Newport, Wales.
Ryder revelries —
Jimenez and Ryder Cup teammate Lee Westwood toast Europe's victory in the 2010 event at Celtic Manor in Newport, Wales.
Getty Images
Jimenez sprays Jose Manuel Lara of Spain with champagne after his compatriot wins the 2010 Austrian Open.
Champagne success —
Jimenez sprays Jose Manuel Lara of Spain with champagne after his compatriot wins the 2010 Austrian Open.
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Jimenez, puffing that trademark cigar, celebrates after winning the French Open in July 2010.
Cigar chomper —
Jimenez, puffing that trademark cigar, celebrates after winning the French Open in July 2010.
Getty Images
2010 was a big year for Jimenez, who won the first of three titles that season at the Dubai Desert Classic in February.
Dubai joy —
2010 was a big year for Jimenez, who won the first of three titles that season at the Dubai Desert Classic in February.
AFP/Getty Images
Jimenez with ex-wife Monserrat after winning the European Tour's flagship PGA Championship event in 2008.
Big win —
Jimenez with ex-wife Monserrat after winning the European Tour's flagship PGA Championship event in 2008.
Getty Images
Jimenez won five tournaments in 2004, the last of which was the BMW International Open in Munich, Germany.
Glory days —
Jimenez won five tournaments in 2004, the last of which was the BMW International Open in Munich, Germany.
In 1997 Jimenez was assistant to team captain Seve Ballesteros as Europe retained the Ryder Cup at Spain's Valderrama Golf Club -- the first time it had been played outside of the U.S. and the UK.
Spanish soil —
In 1997 Jimenez was assistant to team captain Seve Ballesteros as Europe retained the Ryder Cup at Spain's Valderrama Golf Club -- the first time it had been played outside of the U.S. and the UK.
Getty Images
His 1994 triumph at the Dutch Open was his second of 21 titles so far on the European Tour, having won his first in Belgium two years earlier.
Dutch destiny —
His 1994 triumph at the Dutch Open was his second of 21 titles so far on the European Tour, having won his first in Belgium two years earlier.
Getty Images
Jimenez: Golf's great celebrater

Story highlights

Veteran Spanish golfer Miguel Angel Jimenez faces long recovery after skiing accident

The 48-year-old breaks his leg while on the slopes in Sierra Nevada mountains

He is expected to be sidelined for at least three months after breaking tibia in right leg

Jimenez became European Tour's oldest winner with victory in Hong Kong in December

CNN  — 

Miguel Angel Jimenez may be the oldest golfer to win on the European Tour, but his lust for life has put a big dent in his hopes of extending that record in 2013.

The 48-year-old, known for his love of cigars and fine wine, has been ruled out for at least three months after breaking his leg while skiing in his native Spain at the weekend.

“When I took up skiing I knew the risks that I was taking, but I love it so much I could not stop,” he told the European Tour website.

“I was going down a hill and lost control briefly and when I fell it was very sore. I knew immediately I had broken something.

“The medical staff at Sierra Nevada took me for an x-ray straight away and I am very thankful to them, as well as all of the staff at the hospital, for their quick and professional response. “

One of the signatures holes on a new fantasy course at Mission Hills in China will see players attempt to hit a green surrounded by a noodle-style hazard complete with chopsticks.
One of the signatures holes on a new fantasy course at Mission Hills in China will see players attempt to hit a green surrounded by a noodle-style hazard complete with chopsticks.
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Tiger Woods, right, congratulates Rory McIlroy after Europe's remarkable victory over the U.S. on the final day of the 2012 Ryder Cup in September. The two are big rivals on the golf course, but a friendship has also blossomed this year.
Tiger Woods, right, congratulates Rory McIlroy after Europe's remarkable victory over the U.S. on the final day of the 2012 Ryder Cup in September. The two are big rivals on the golf course, but a friendship has also blossomed this year.
Getty Images
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The verdict was a broken tibia, just below his right knee, and he had surgery after being taken to hospital in Malaga.

Jimenez became the European Tour’s oldest winner when he triumphed in Hong Kong in November, his 19th victory on the circuit.

“I was playing very well at the end of the season so it is obviously not a good time for me to get injured,” said Jimenez, a three-time member of winning European Ryder Cup teams and a vice-captain for Jose Maria Olazabal at Medinah this year.

“It has not all been bad news for me to finish the year, however, and in just a few days I will be opening my new golf school near Torremolinos.”