SPAIN’S Miguel Angel Jimenez insists he has no regrets about swapping sunny Sawgrass for soggy Turin, despite a difference of almost £1m in prize money.

Jimenez is in contention to win £186,000 at this week’s Italian Open, but only after turning down the chance to claim £1.1m instead.

That is the first prize on offer at golf’s richest event, the £6.2m Players Championship at Sawgrass which, as a member of the world’s top 50, Jimenez would have been expected to play.

However, the prospect of yet more trans-Atlantic travel was not to the 46-year-old’s liking and he opted instead to play at Royal Park I Roveri in Turin, where a second-round 68 saw him claim a share of second place on seven under par.

Sweden’s Fredrik Andersson Hed leads the field on eight under, with Jimenez and compatriots Alejandro Canizares and Ignacio Garrido, Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts and South African Hennie Otto a shot behind.

Hartlepool’s Graeme Storm, the overnight leader, posted a second-round 73 but still sits with teenage star Matteo Manassero just four off the lead.

Jimenez said: “It was a difficult decision, it’s a great tournament and if the TPC was a major I would be there, but I did not want to make another long trip.

“I ’m 46 now. I’m not young, although I’m not old.

“Money is important to help you enjoy life but that is all. My goal in life is to enjoy myself in every moment.”