2009 Masters - It's Cabrera !

Argentine Angel Cabrera outlasted Kenny Perry on the 2nd playoff hole to snag the 2009 Masters. Cabrera stuck his approach on the 10th hole, the 2nd playoff hole, to routinely two putt for a par. On one of his few loose shots of the tournament, Perry had yanked his approach and short sided himself with a left pin placement. His subsequent pitch couldn't defy physics and left him with a lengthy par putt that he missed. Chad Campbell had earlier missed a putt on 18, the 1st playoff hole, that finished his day. So, the day's final pairing were the last men standing with Cabrera being the 1st Argentine to wear the green jacket. It was also Cabrera's 2nd major championship following his US Open victory. Perry was extremely gracious in defeat, giving due credit to Cabrera for his Houdini-like escapes throughout the final round. None was more crucial than the 1st playoff hole where Cabrera's errant tee shot gave him almost no look at the green. His necessary blast through some trees ricocheted back into the fairway where he stuck his 3rd and calmly sunk the resulting par putt to extend the playoff. Campbell and Perry were both in the fairway when Perry shorted and pushed his 2nd shot and Campbell right bunkered his from 154 yards. Perry neatly pitched to gimme range while Campbell's bunker shot rolled to about six feet. Campbell had shown a lot of spunk by shooting himself back into the fray with a 69. That missed six footer however ended his chances.

Average Golfer accurately predicted that starting the day at -4 was a no win proposition. But, not without a couple of runs at it. Phil Mickelson shot a front nine 30 to get to -10 and it appeared a miracle comeback was starting to form. His tee ball at the par three 12th walked the plank however and he carded a round killing double bogey. Tiger Woods got it to -10 after a 16th hole birdie, but bogeyed 17 and 18 to end his quest for a 5th green jacket. 18 was a Woods nemesis all week. The final results after regulation were Cabrera, Perry, and Campbell at -12. Shingo Katayama's superb 68 earned him solo 4th at -10. Mickelson was alone in 5th at -9 and there was a four way tie for 6th consisting of Woods, Steve Flesch, Steve Stricker, and John Merrick with a sterling final round 66. Full field scores.

The course was more than fair with superb weather, receptive greens and scoring opportunities aplenty. The leaders were fairly conservative in their play through the first nine while the trailers hurried to make birdies before they ran out of holes. That made for must see television golf as it seemed at mid point in the day anyone could have walked away the winner. Great and enjoyable spectacle.

So, congratulate Angel Cabrera on a hard fought and well earned victory. Somewhere Roberto DeVincenzo is smiling.


Til' next,