Jimenez flying flag for Spain

Miguel Angel Jimenez

Miguel Angel Jimenez will be flying the flag for Spanish golf as he gears up for his first Ryder Cup on European soil as the sole Spaniard in the team.

It's the first time only one Spaniard has represented Europe since Oak Hill in 1995 when a certain Seve Ballesteros helped the Europeans to a one-point victory.

"It's very nice to be here in this Ryder Cup of course, and it's a shame that only one Spanish player is here," said Jimenez.

"I will try to do my best, of course, and try to put the Spanish colour, also, on the European colours."

The 46-year-old has won three times on the European Tour this year, his last victory coming at the European Masters at the beginning of the month, but despite his good form he admits that the tension is starting to grow ahead of today's Opening Ceremony.

"It's getting close," added the world number 26. "All week you feel like a knot in your stomach and tomorrow is getting closer and your knot is getting tight.

"Maybe it's something that you can afford. The pressure is there and that's good. I like to feel that thing, and that makes you motivated more, and that's where you want to be."

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