June 18, 2007; Phoenix Arizona: Battling the world’s number one player and what many called the toughest course in U.S. Open history, PING pro Angel Cabrera outlasted both in claiming the U.S. Open for his first major championship. The Argentine’s 5-over-par total at Oakmont Country Club came on the strength of a final round 69—one of only eight under-par rounds on the week—that earned him a 1-shot victory worth $1.2 million.
With opening and closing rounds of 69, the 37-year-old was the only player in the field to card two rounds under par. He entered the final round four shots off the pace but seized a share of the lead with three birdies on the front nine. He added two more birdies on the back nine that carried him to his victory.
"Angel’s been a valued member of the PING staff since the mid-1990s," said John Solheim, PING’s Chairman & CEO. "We’ve watched him grow into a world-class player while having a positive impact on the game of golf in Argentina. This victory will further that cause and have a long-lasting effect in his country. Together with the goodwill this creates for our brand, his victory is especially rewarding."
Relying on his PING® Rapture® driver, Cabrera averaged 310 yards off the tee for the week—second longest in the field. Among his prodigious drives was one of nearly 400 yards on the 667-yard 12th hole. Precise iron play with his PING S58â?¢ irons ranked him third in Greens-in-Regulation and helped keep his scorecards free of a double-bogey or worse for the four rounds—a claim few could make. The confidence provided by his PING Redwood® Anser® putter was ideal for negotiating the feared greens of Oakmont. In the end, he counted 13 birdies for the week, including five in the final round.
With several top 10 finishes in major championships, Cabrera’s victory didn’t come as surprise to Solheim.
"Angel’s proven his ability numerous times. Everyone knows it’s not easy to win a major. Everything has to come together at the right time," said Solheim, who spent some time with Cabrera on the driving range early in the week at Oakmont. "This week was his time. He showed great poise under tremendous pressure. I was glued to my television as were most of our employees. It was nerve-racking just to watch. I’m awed, but not surprised, at what Angel accomplished."
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PING designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of golf equipment including metal woods, irons, putters, and golf bags. The family-owned company was founded in 1959 in the garage of the late Karsten Solheim, a mechanical engineer with an extensive background in the aerospace and computer industries.
His frustration with his putting inspired him to design his own putter, which created a "pinging" sound when striking a golf ball. This sound was the source of the name now synonymous with innovation, quality and service throughout the world of golf. Solheim and his company are credited with numerous
Contact:
Pete Samuels at 602-687-5487.
