Cabrera hoping to put woes aside

Argentina’s Angel Cabrera has had to overcome many obstacles in his career and his patience was tested ahead of the SAA Open, which starts today at the Humewood Golf Club in Port Elizabeth.

Cabrera, who partnered youngster Andres Romero to a share of fifth place in the World Cup in Barbados last weekend, made a 19-hour journey to the South African venue only to find that his baggage – and more importantly his clubs - had been lost by the airline.

Club manufacturers Ping hastily arranged another set, which was due to arrive last night, and Cabrera did his best to look on the bright side.

“I’m just very tired, it was 16 hours from Barbados and then another three from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth,” Cabrera said.

Cabrera is determined to do well in the tournament, and not least as payback for the support his sponsors South African Airways have given him over the years.

“Still, I’m here now and will give it a good shot,” he said. “It would be nice to win this for SAA, who are my sponsor, especially after the disappointment we had at the World Cup last week.”

Cabrera will have his work cut out, though, as the field includes Englishman Lee Westwood as well as the three big South African names in Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman.

Last year Goosen and Els were involved in a tight struggle. It ended when Goosen spectacularly chipped in for a birdie on the 17th and Els narrowly missed a six-foot eagle putt to force a play-off.

“I would love it to come down to that again,” Goosen said. “This is a great golf course for a duel and I would enjoy another battle like it.

“It doesn’t have to be with Ernie, it could be with anybody because there are so many great players in the field.”

The condition of the course is still a concern with drought and floods making it difficult for the organisers to keep it in top condition.

“The course has the characteristics of great links courses, with dunes and hollows all over the place,” Els said.

“But I’ve seen the course in better shape. They’ve had tough weather conditions with a long drought and then floods in August. It’s the same for everybody though and I’m definitely in with a fighting chance.”

The world’s second oldest open was last hosted at the club in 1957 but it was given the right to host it this year as it celebrates its 75th anniversary.