Spirit of an Angel

Cabrera: remarkable story

He's clearly a man that's known the tough side of life - and now enjoys the good stuff.

Denis Pugh
Quotes of the week

The Golf Night panel reflected on the incredible story of Angel Cabrera following his triumph at the US Masters.

The 39-year-old claimed his second major championship at Augusta to write another chapter in a remarkable career, which started as an orphan on the streets of Argentina.

His story is a world away from the state-of-the-art facilities enjoyed by the modern young professional and Golf Night pundit John Hawksworth applauded the way he has made his way to the top of the game through sheer hard work.

"It's incredible what he's achieved from where he came from," Hawksworth said.

"He's not had the clubs, he will have started with one golf club and started caddying - unlike the young lads now.

"It's a remarkable story that he's won the US Open and the US Masters living with his grandma, starting the game at such a young age by chance.

"I remember back in the early nineties when he came out on tour and you thought this guy had got something special.

"He was always very quiet, unassuming, very friendly and just got on with the game.

"I think there's a lot to be said for the way he has been brought up with the game. Unfussed, he just gets on with it. He hits the ball, goes to find it, then hits it again - there's no messing about with him.

"I think he's taken every chance he had. It's an incredible story."

Dramatic

Cabrera claimed the green jacket following a three-way play-off with Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry in one of the most dramatic finishes in Masters history.

And Denis Pugh applauded him for making the most of the opportunities that have come his way throughout his career.

"It was just a triumph for his spirit," Pugh said.

"In life everyone gets some chances, but not everyone takes them. Angel just takes every bit of chance that comes his way. He's prepared to go for it.

"The shove into the play-off hole that won it for him was a difficult shot and he played it with the air of someone who was playing with a few of his pals in Argentina.

"He had to two-putt and he just rolled it up. A lot of players would have panicked but he just tapped it in with a big smile.

"He's clearly a man that's known the tough side of life - and now enjoys the good stuff."

To see Golf Night's feature on Angel Cabrera's youth, click on the video in the top right of your screen.