Aloha at Home with Miguel Angel Jiménez

How are you and your family staying positive during quarantine?

My wife and I are at my home in the Dominican Republic, whereas the rest of my family is in Spain. Susanne and I came here after the last PGA TOUR Champions tournament in early March. We meant to only stay a couple of weeks before traveling to the next event, but then quarantine hit us.

I worry very much about my family back home in Europe, particularly as Spain is going through the most terrible situation, but I am in daily contact with them and thankfully, they are all healthy. We just take each day as it comes, staying positive and making the best of it, knowing that life will return to some kind of normality in the coming months.

Have you been able to play golf while social distancing?

We have been very lucky that there is a golf course open nearby until 5:00pm where I am able to practice, so I play 18 holes most days of the week. Of course, there are very strict social distancing regulations in place—for example, only one person is allowed in a buggy, the pin flag stays in the cup and plenty of sanitization rules, but we are finding that this works well. Then, we have a mandatory curfew here on the island and everyone must be in their home after 5:00pm. I realize I am very fortunate to be able to continue to work on my game as well as exercise while so many others around the world are restricted to not leaving their living space at all.

What does Aloha mean to you?

Many things. I have always said that finding a balance in my life is incredibly important as sometimes life feels like it is moving too quickly. It is so important to take time to appreciate, respect, and be grateful for our lives, the beautiful environment we live in, the people we meet, and the experiences that this world offers to us. To me, Aloha is all about being a decent human being, no?

How have you found your #AlohaAtHome?

One thing that this quarantine period has certainly done, is that is has slowed my life down, giving me plenty of time to appreciate some of the things in life I don’t often have time to when traveling around the world—finding that balance as I mentioned. It has been lovely to spend so much time with Susanne, something we have not done before as I am usually traveling so much. And simple things are a real pleasure to do, like cooking dinner for us both each evening, which I love to do, and looking after the orchids we are growing on the terrace.

What acts of kindness have you witnessed recently?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the best in so many people around the world, showing amazing acts of kindness and support in all our communities. Even in our own small community here on the island we see people continuing to do essential work which puts their own health at risk and we are very grateful for them. You might say that this is an example of the aloha spirit.

What are you most looking forward to doing after quarantine?

Flying back home to Spain to see my sons, my brothers, their families and all my friends. It seems like such a long time since we were all together and I miss them all very much. I really look forward to us all having dinner in one of our favourite restaurants near my home in Malaga – I cannot wait!

How are you maintaining your affinity for the good life while in quarantine?

Well, I cannot complain, I still have a very good life, for which I am grateful. I have my health, great fresh produce, a beautiful view of the ocean, the sun on my back, excellent cigars, and of course, the company of my lovely wife. And I can still get fantastic Spanish wine here in the Dominican Republic.