Born and bred in Argentina – Angel Cabrera is an inspirational figure in the world of professional golf. His story embodies the classic ‘from rags to riches’ tale. Born in Cordoba in 1969, Cabrera’s journey into the world of professional golf was a far cry from the usual path of Ivey League colleges and country club grooming. Nevertheless, it was precisely this unconventional journey that molded him into the formidable player he is today.
Angel Cabrera was the first person from Argentina to have won the US Open. He bagged the victory in 2007, and with this feather in his cap, grabbed golf’s attention globally. No longer was Cabrera the seemingly out-of-place character; he was a proven champion who overcame obstacles and climbed the pinnacle of professional golf.
Cabrera is known for his naturally powerful swing. He has a robust build which he uses effectively, enabling him to thrive in elongated designs, particularly in majors. His swing makes him stand out among many other players as he tends to rely more on his physical strength than punctilious technique. For Cabrera, golf isn’t so much a scientific notion of inches and angles but more a natural contest where instinct plays a greater part.
As a youngster, Cabrera’s family could hardly afford the basics, and Louisiana State University or Wake Forest wasn’t an option. His golf education happened at Cordoba Golf Club, coincidentally the very same place he worked as a caddy when he was just nine years old. It was during his time as a caddy that Cabrera absorbed the skills and nuances that would later dictate his style and approach towards the game.
He owes his remarkable rise in the field to late Argentinian golfer, Eduardo Romero. Romero took Cabrera under his wing when he was starting as a pro and helped him forge a path in a sport that was virtually inaccessible to boys from Cabrera’s background. Today, it’s this perspective and grounding that adds an extra layer of grit and character to Cabrera’s style.
Cabrera’s second major victory came in 2009 when he won the Masters Tournament. He held his grit against Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell in a sudden-death playoff which saw them go down to the wire. Cabrera’s victory catapulted him to the mainstream and positioned him as one of the most exciting players in golf. Who could forget him holding up his country’s flag in Augusta, his face glowing with triumph and pride as he wore the coveted green jacket – a testament to his hard work, belief, and fortitude.
Some might refer to Cabrera as a golfer of extremes due to his unpredictable playing style. On the one hand, he could command the greens at the US Open or Augusta, only to struggle in lower-ranked tournaments. But that’s what makes Cabrera so fascinating. His game does not adhere to norms. Instead, it blossoms from an intrinsic desire to compete and an innate love for the sport.
Off the course, Cabrera is known for his immense generosity. He founded the Angel Cabrera Foundation in 2007, using the platform to assist thousands of underprivileged children in his native Argentina. Cabrera is keen on giving children access to playing fields and golf equipment, hoping to shape a future where children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, can dream of swinging their way to glory.
However, it’s not just his athletic prowess or charitable work that sets Cabrera apart. He’s a mentor figure, inspiring budding golfers in his home country and giving them a sense of belief and encouragement. Despite a successful professional career, Cabrera never discarded his route to the top and still identifies as the ‘golf caddy from Cordoba.’
To understand Cabrera, it’s important to recognize that he’s a culmination of his experiences. His humble beginnings coupled with his desire to succeed and his natural talent have combined to create a formidable golfer, a generous philanthropist, and a beacon of inspiration for countless Argentinian youngsters.
He might not be the typical golf superstar, he doesn’t hail from a privileged background, and his journey to the top was arduous. But Angel Cabrera offers something far richer, a distinct perspective that represents the power of determination and the universal appeal of the sport. He brings his Argentinean spirit and fervor to every game. He’s not just a golf champion; he’s a literal testament of the dream that golf is a sport for all, a sport that welcomes diversity in its participants, a sport where underdogs like Cabrera can not only compete but conquer.