Schultz’s observations

Angel Cabrera follows the ball he almost chips in for birdie on the first playoff hole of the Masters on the 18th green on Sunday. Angel Cabrera went on to lose to Adam Scott on the second playoff hole at the 10th green.

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

Angel Cabrera follows the ball he almost chips in for birdie on the first playoff hole of the Masters on the 18th green on Sunday. Angel Cabrera went on to lose to Adam Scott on the second playoff hole at the 10th green.

1. Angel Cabrera, the anomaly: I know he didn't win. But is there a more likeable and unlikely success story in golf? Cabrera is ranked No. 267 in the world. Yet, he nearly won his third major. His only two career victories have come at the Masters and U.S. Open. Cabrera has a flare for the dramatic on Masters' Sunday and he nearly pulled this one out, twice having 15-foot would-be birdie putts come to a stop at the lip of the cup. We probably won't hear much from him again — until the next major.

2. Tiger Woods: almost back: He got more attention this week for his second-round shot off the flagstick at No. 15 that bounced into the water and the subsequent two-shot penalty for taking an illegal drop. But what did him in at the end was his putting. He missed some makeable birdies during Sunday's final round, even while finishing at 2 under for the day and 5 under (or 7 under without the penalty) for the tournament. Woods confirmed the issue after his round: "I had trouble getting used to (the greens). They were so much slower because of the rain. Putts just weren't rolling out." When Woods is really back at the top of his game, he reads greens better than anybody.

3. Back 9 fizzle (Part II): Matt Kuchar was tied for the lead in the last round of last year's Masters but he faded after bogeying No. 16. This year's tournament wasn't quite as dramatic, but the former Georgia Tech star again took himself out of it. He began the day at 4 under, three shots back of the leaders. But he carded bogeys on the first hole and the fourth. He shot a 73 for the day (3-under 285 for the tournament). He actually finished two shots behind the low Jacket for the day (Stewart Cink: 71).