I saw an angel at Augusta
 

Certainly seemed to be some divine intervention for Cabrera on the first playoff hole. Another interesting bit of untelevised foreshadowing was when Tiger and Phil were at the 17th green in the midst of their charge, a patron (correction...former patron) ran under the ropes and started doing snow angels in the green side bunker. I'm quite certain neither Tiger nor Phil were distracted by this, but it did mark the very point where things turned for both of them and the spotlight shifted to the final group.

Wow, now there's a nice way for the badge holder to lose their Masters tickets and be kicked off the list!

Every one of those guys had a hiccup or two coming in: Phil, Tiger, Kenny, Chad....Angel just had one less. I just hope KP keeps his head up and contends in another major. You have to admire how he handled things.

Phil had the tournament in hand, as none of the leaders were taking control. He did what he had to on the first nine, which was to play out of his mind, but couldn't get it done on the back on a day that had perfect scoring conditions. I expected the winning number to be more like 14 or 15 under, especially since the leaders didn't have the Tiger/Phil tsunami gallery near them, but it was a very interesting, exciting finish.

I too hope KP can come back from this; that was a tough way to lose.

The Right Shot at the Right Time . . . If You've Practiced It
 

Kenny Perry talked by phone with fellow Kentuckian John Riegger after Sunday's final round. He had played 70 holes with only four bogies, all three-putts. The turning point under extreme Masters pressure? The long chip on 17.

Kenny played a 'pitch and run' for perhaps "the first time in six months". He is far more comfortable with the 'pinched' 60 or 64-degree wedge. And the results were less than expected.

My take?

He played the right shot. But, as Hogan said:

"Never play a shot in competition you haven't practiced."

Lately.

Congrats to Kenny and his long-time caddy, PGA Professional Fred Sanders. These are 'salt of the earth' folks, and I'm quite sure, the "people's favorites" in this particular dual. Nevertheless, the Argentine Angel Cabrera emerged and claimed the green jacket, much to the delight of his own constituency.

For those of us feeling a twinge of disappointment, the next time you're stymied behind a tree with no chance . . .

Remember Senor Cabrera.

And when your second shot hits a tree deep in the wood, look anxiously, first toward the wayward shot, but then toward the middle of the fairway. If your ball is there, it may be your day.

Go for it.

:salut:

Client of mine had me in stitches the other day...

"I could find a tree or two on a links course.":laughing9