April 14, 2009; Phoenix Arizona: PING pro Angel Cabrera relied on 14 PING® clubs, including a recently released Tour-W® TS (Thin Sole) 60° wedge, while winning The Masters in a two-hole playoff at the famed Augusta National Golf Club.
For the 39-year-old native of Argentina, it was his second major win in less than two years. In 2007, Cabrera captured the U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club.
The win also marked the first-ever by a PING staff player at the season’s first major championship.
“Winning majors is the ultimate achievement from a product standpoint for manufacturers,” said John Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. “We’re extremely proud of Angel’s performance and the tremendous exposure he gave PING at one of golf’s most prestigious venues. It’s especially satisfying as we celebrate our 50th anniversary.”
Cabrera arrived at Augusta with three equipment changes in recent weeks. In addition to the new Tour-W TS wedge, Cabrera put a G10® 2-iron and an i-Series® ½ Craz-E® Belly putter in his bag. When it was over and he had claimed the coveted Green Jacket that’s awarded to the winner, it was his new wedge that received much of the praise.
“The new wedge is exactly what I’ve been looking for,” said Cabrera of the “thin soled” wedge. “It was perfect for the extremely tight lies we face at Augusta National. On several occasions, I was able to play the perfect shot under very difficult circumstances.”
He also played a Rapture® 7.5° driver, Rapture V2® 3-wood, S57™ irons (3-9, PW) and a Tour-W 54° wedge.
Entering the final round tied for the lead at 11-under, Cabrera dropped as many as three behind before birdies on three of the final six holes earned him a place in a three-man playoff.
On the first extra hole, his tee shot came to rest near the base of a tree to the right of the 18th fairway. With only a small opening, Cabrera attempted to reach the green with his second shot, but it ricocheted off a tree and onto the fairway more than 100 yards from the hole. His ensuing wedge shot came to rest eight feet above the hole. Needing the par to advance, Cabrera calmly rolled the putt into the hole and shook his fist in delight.
The playoff moved to the par-4 10th hole which Cabrera had bogeyed in regulation. This time, there was no denying Cabrera his quest for the Green Jacket. He split the fairway with his drive and landed his approach shot 15-feet below the hole. In the meantime, his competitor missed a long par putt, leaving Cabrera two putts to claim his second major championship.
“This is a great moment; the dream of any golfer to win the Masters,” said Cabrera, who became the first Argentine to win The Masters. “I’m so emotional I can barely talk.”
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