It’s been a lengthy six years since Angel Cabrera last traversed the lush fairways of The Masters.
The champion of 2009 spent two years imprisoned in a grey Argentine cell, following a conviction for issuing threats to former partners.
During the traditional par-three contest at Augusta National on Thursday morning (AEST), pockets of the crowd erupted in applause, welcoming back a figure they felt had served his time.
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However, not all are willing to forgive. Cabrera acknowledges this reality.
“Everyone has their own perspective, and I respect that,” he remarked.
Angel Cabrera during a practice round ahead of the 2025 Masters. Getty
Nonetheless, Cabrera firmly believes he has a rightful place back at Augusta National.
“I won the Masters,” he asserted. “So why not?”
Once paraded through the streets of Cordoba in celebration of his 2007 US Open victory, Cabrera soon found himself facing legal action in July 2021.
The golfer, affectionately nicknamed “El Pato” or “The Duck” for his distinctive waddle, faced allegations of threatening one of his former partners.
Ultimately, Cabrera was sentenced to prison, and a year later, he admitted guilt after another ex-girlfriend came forward with similar accusations. Although the court made the sentences concurrent, it still resulted in three years and 10 months of incarceration.
He regained his freedom on parole in August 2023 and was eligible to rejoin the PGA Tour Champions later that year.
Having recently clinched victory at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational on Sunday, the 55-year-old Cabrera returned to The Masters, where chairman Fred Ridley reaffirmed his continued status as a past champion.
Angel Cabrera after his 2013 Masters playoff against Adam Scott. Getty
“We unequivocally stand against domestic violence of any form,” Ridley stated prior to the tournament on Wednesday.
“In Angel’s case, he has completed the sentence handed down by the Argentine courts, and as a previous champion, he was invited back.”
Cabrera took 15 minutes to engage with a small group of journalists beneath the majestic oak that serves as a popular meeting spot near Augusta National clubhouse.
He was candid and brief in his responses. He expressed remorse and acknowledged his past mistakes, returning with a sense of hope and gratitude.
“Life has granted me another chance, and I intend to seize it,” Cabrera shared, speaking in Spanish.
“There was a period in my life of four or five years where I made poor choices. Before that, everything was fine.
“Now I need to focus on doing what I know I can do successfully.”
Angel Cabrera, seen here with 2008 winner Trevor Immelman during the green jacket presentation, won the 2009 Masters in a sudden-death playoff. In doing so, he claimed his second major and became the first Masters winner from South America. Getty
This includes his ability to hit a golf ball.
After gaining parole, and prior to Cabrera obtaining his visa to travel beyond Argentina, his long-time coach, Charlie Epps, provided him with a set of clubs to begin practice once more. Although he showed signs of rust, the feel of the swing remained largely unchanged from when Cabrera made the cut at the Senior Players Championship a couple of years back.
“I began practising rigorously to regain my form,” Cabrera noted. “I can’t be sure if my game has returned to its former technical standard.”
However, it was sufficient for him to secure a win last weekend. In a PGA Tour Champions event, Cabrera stepped in at the last minute after Mark Hensby’s withdrawal, entering the 17th tee tied with KJ Choi. He made a birdie to take the lead by one stroke.
On the 18th hole, he safely reached the green, two-putted for par, and celebrated a victory that felt long overdue, perhaps even longer following the arduous nights spent behind bars.
“Of course, I regret the events that transpired, and I have learned from them, but they are firmly in the past, and we must focus on the future,” Cabrera reflected.
This includes the Champions Dinner, where Cabrera looked forward to reconvening with fellow past winners to reminisce and reconnect. Scottie Scheffler, the reigning champion, selected the menu, and Cabrera was eager to catch up with old friends like Gary Player, one of his strongest supporters.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him,” Adam Scott, who triumphed over Cabrera in the 2013 Masters playoff, shared.
“It’s a joyous occasion for me. Our history is long-standing. I first encountered him on the European Tour before we both made our way to the PGA Tour.
“We’ve played together at Presidents Cups and partnered up. I’m elated that he’ll be rejoining us this year.”
Cabrera is set to play alongside Laurie Canter and Adam Schenk in his first two rounds.
His Masters journey officially commences at 12.59am (AEST) on Friday morning.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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