Citizen Staff Report
Another in a series of profiles for the Accenture World Match Play Championship from Feb. 25-March 1 in Marana:
Ben Curtis (United States)
Ranking: No. 29 Born: Columbus, Ohio Age: 31 Ht./wt.: 5-11, 175 College: Kent State Turned pro: 2000 Pro wins: 3 PGA wins: 3 Match Play record: 1-1
Notable: Best known for winning the British Open at Royal St. George’s in 2003. This victory was considered a major upset, as the 26-year old’s best finish in a professional tournament prior to his victory had been 13th place at the Western Open only two weeks before.
Did you know? Tied for 2nd place in the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills. It qualified him for the 2008 Ryder Cup, his first appearance in the event.
Justin Leonard (United States)
Ranking: No. 28 Born: Dallas Age: 36 Ht/wt: 5-9/170. College: Texas Turned pro: 1994 Pro wins: 12 PGA wins: 12 Match Play record: 8-9
Notable: Apart from his 2007 British Open win, his highest profile victory came at the 1998 Players Championship.
Did you know? In the 1999 Ryder Cup event, Leonard made a 45-foot putt for birdie on the 17th hole to complete a remarkable comeback by the U.S. team on the final day.
Miguel A. Jimenez (Spain)
Ranking: No. 23 Born: Malaga, Spain Age: 45 Ht/wt: 5-10/184 Turned pro: 1982 Pro wins: 18 Match Play: 5-7
Notable: Had two wins last season, earning Jimenez a spot on the 2008 Ryder Cup team. He finished the season ranked fourth on the Order of Merit once more.
Did you know? He is known as “The Mechanic” for his preference for repairing, rather than driving, high-performance vehicles, especially his gleaming red Ferrari.
MATCH PLAY INFO
Where: Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, Marana
Tickets: 571-0400 or 866-942-2672; www.worldgolfchampionships.com