Coming Full Circle: Two-Time Major Champion Angel Cabrera Poised for Masters Comeback After Prison Sentence

Two-time major champion Angel Cabrera is preparing for his return to the Masters next month after completing a two-year prison sentence for domestic violence.

In 2021, the Argentine golfer was apprehended by Brazilian Federal Police for offences committed in Argentina. As reported by the Associated Press, Cabrera received a sentence for making threats and harassing his former girlfriend of two years. This case was later compounded by claims from another of his ex-partners.

In 2023, AP indicated that Cabrera had been released on parole, with the 55-year-old expressing to Golf Digest that he felt “deeply ashamed” of his actions.

Now, the 2009 Masters champion appears set to make a comeback at Augusta National, as he has been officially announced as one of the past champions expected to participate.

It’s typical for former champions to receive invitations to this prestigious event each year; however, from 2021 to 2024, Cabrera was designated by the Masters as one of the “past champions not playing.”

It remains unclear if Cabrera received invitations during that time. According to Golf Week, he did not secure his visa in time for the 2024 tournament, and the chairman of Augusta National noted he would be welcomed back once those matters were resolved.

CNN has reached out to Cabrera’s representatives regarding his participation in this year’s tournament and has requested a comment from the Masters about his invitation.

On another note, former golfer Ben Crenshaw, who hosts the annual champions dinner at the Masters, has reportedly expressed his support for Cabrera attending this year’s event.

According to Golf Week, Crenshaw stated it would be “fantastic to have Angel back.”

In addition to his 2009 Masters title, Cabrera, affectionately known as “El Pato,” also claimed victory at the 2007 US Open.

He has competed in 12 PGA Tour Champions events – a senior-level competition – in 2024 and has taken part in two more this year. His last appearance on the PGA Tour was in 2019.

Reflecting on his recent years in an interview with Golf Digest in 2023, Cabrera remarked: “I feel regret and shame. I made significant mistakes. I did not heed anyone’s advice and acted according to my own desires, which was wrong.”

When asked about the prospect of playing at the Masters again, he expressed that it is his “dream to revisit that prestigious venue and walk the course that brought me so much joy and fulfilment.”

The Masters is scheduled to take place from April 10-13 this year, with US golfer Scottie Scheffler set to defend his title.