Tiger's the best and I want him to return, says Cabrera

By Larry Fine

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Masters champion Angel Cabrera wants world number one Tiger Woods to return to golf as soon as possible, he said on Tuesday.

"Tiger is the best. I want him to be back," the Argentine told reporters during a conference call. "When he's there he makes a big difference (and) a special tournament."

"It's going to be something special," said Cabrera. "I want him to be back but the Masters will always be the Masters, with or without Tiger."

The world number 29 said his playoff win over Americans Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell last year had proved his 2007 U.S. Open victory was no fluke.

"This is very important for me," he said. "It signifies I can win majors, that it wasn't by luck that I won the U.S. Open.

"It tells me I can get those big tournaments."

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Cabrera said he learned a lot playing alongside five-times major winner Seve Ballesteros on the European Tour earlier in his career.

"You have to play the most natural that you can despite the pressure of the majors," said the 40-year-old.

"I've had opportunities to play a lot of golf with Seve in Europe. He's given me good advice.

"I think we're very similar in the sense that you get to the ball, you might just see a shot and you go for it. That's a natural way that I also play," the Argentine added.

Cabrera, the first U.S. Masters champion from South America, said his victory at Augusta made a big impact in his homeland.

"It was very important to bring back a Masters win. There are more people practicing the game especially in Cordoba where I am," he said.

"I've seen a lot of young kids picking up the game."

Cabrera said selecting the menu for the annual Champions Dinner was simple.

"Not a lot to think about. Some good Argentine Asado (barbecue). Some good beef," he said.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)