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Cabreras team up for first-round lead at Father/Son Challenge

 
Published Dec. 16, 2017

ORLANDO — Two-time major winner Angel Cabrera and Angel Cabrera Jr. birdied their last three holes for 13-under 59 to take a one-shot lead Saturday in the Father/Son Challenge.

Cabrera, a Masters and U.S. Open champion, is making his debut in the popular 36-hole scramble that features 20 teams, each with a major champion. The Argentine's son said he practiced hard for 10 days but was uncertain of playing in front of the cameras. What helped put the 26-year-old at ease was watching his father make so many putts.

"We combined very well," Cabrera, 48, said. "When I hit a bad shot, he hit a good one. That's the key."

They had a one-shot lead over Mark and Shaun O'Meara, who are teamed up for the first time. Their round included a birdie on the last hole, which the 60-year-old O'Meara attributed to the strength of his son.

"My little man hit it 58 yards by me on the 18th," said O'Meara, the Masters and British Open champion in 1998. "It's a little easier coming in with a 6-iron."

Defending champions David Duval and Nick Karavites rallied over the back nine at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club for 61. They are trying to become the first father-son team to repeat as winners since Bernhard and Stefan Langer in 2006. Larry Nelson won two years in a row in 2007 and 2008 but with different sons.

"I'd imagine we have to break 60 (today) to have a chance to win, but hey, stranger things have happened," Duval, 46, said. "I've even (had one) myself."

Duval shot 59 at the Bob Hope Classic to win in 1999 on his way to reaching No. 1 in the world that year.

Duval and his stepson were tied with Langer, 60, and 17-year-old Jason Langer, who made two eagles on the last five holes. This Langer tandem won in 2014.

Jack Nicklaus, 77, playing with 15-year-old grandson G.T., opened with 68.