Touched by an ANGEL

The finish to yesterday's Masters was another classic punctuated by a second major championship win by the Argentinian, Angel Cabrera. I really like to watch Angel Cabrera play.

For me he exemplifies all that is good in golf.

For those of you who don't know his story, Cabrera grew up caddying in his native land. I'll always have a soft sport for caddies who add so much life and color to the game. It's a shame that caddie rolls in this country are declining. Caddying provides young people with an opportunity to earn some money, be around the mover and shakers in a community and in some cases earn a free ride to college (see Evans and Ouimet Scholarship programs.)

As Cabrera progressed in his game, he was spotted a sum of money by Eduardo Romero, who at that time was playing the European PGA Tour. Cabrera was torn about leaving Argentina because he had recently married a woman with seven children (he obviously has courage). With Romero's encouragement and the assurance that no mouths would go hungry, Angel took a chance and the rest is history.

There are lots of reasons to like this guy.

How can you not like a guy who is so happy when he plays. He is constantly smiling even under the most pressure packed situations. How can he be so happy? That's what happenswhen you come from a country where you can support a wife and seven children on about $60 US per month. He has a full realization of where he has been and the blessings that he has received in his life. Golf is not an end-all for Cabrera.

You've got to love him for the speed at which he plays. I switched the channel during the playoff for no more than 30 seconds and flicked back to find Angel already playing his second shot, a tough one off of pine needles in the trees. I guess maybe you can play fast and well.

I love the yellow shirt too. It probably wasn't the same one he wore at Oakmont but it was very cheery and looked great with the green jacket.

I first got turned on to him a few years ago at the Bridgestone Invitational. I had followed his scores online for a few years noting that he almost always played well in majors. As a golf teacher I was amazed by his fundamentally sound swing (despite what the announcers say), solid short game, and prodigious long ball.

Long ball hitters have always attracted me, maybe because I play small ball most of the time. The first hole I followed Cabrera was the 14th, a par 4 that measured about 480 yards. The hole is a soft dogleg with extremely tall trees guarding the right side of the hole.

Cabrera took the ball right over the trees and had a lob wedge left. I became an instant fan.

Bravo Angel, bravo!