Angel Cabrera’s life has been nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. After spending years behind bars, the former U.S. Open and The Masters champion returns to Augusta, chasing a second green jacket and a shot at redemption.
Cabrera recently claimed victory at the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational in Boca Raton, marking his first win on American soil since the 2014 Greenbrier Classic on the PGA Tour. With a score of 205 (-11), the 55-year-old will ride his wave of momentum into The Masters in Augusta, where he’ll vie for a second title at the iconic golf venue.
Though his appearance in the prestigious competition has raised several eyebrows among patrons, Angel Cabrera is set to compete in the 2025 Masters for the first time in six years. He’ll be chasing his second win in Augusta, having first donned the green jacket in 2009 and finishing as runner-up in 2013. Cabrera also claimed the U.S. Open title in 2007.
With his recent win in Boca Raton, Cabrera secured a hefty $330,000 award, while becoming the fifth Argentinian to win a Champions Tour competition. “I knew this moment would arrive, but I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly,” Cabrera admitted to the media after his win on April 6, and ahead of the first major golf tournament of the year.
Angel Cabrera of Argentina looks on from the fourth hole during the first round of the Chubb Classic 2025 at Tiburon Golf Club on February 14, 2025 in Naples, Florida.
Serving time
Cabrera was sentenced to two and a half years in prison by an Argentinian court after being found guilty of gender-based violence against his ex-wife. Cabrera served from January 2021 until August 2023. In December of that year, he made his long-awaited return to the golf course.
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“Life has given me a second chance, and I want to enjoy it. I had four or five rough years—everything was going great until then. Now, things will return to how they once were,” Angel Cabrera stated on the eve of The Masters.
Noise around Cabrera’s invitation
Due to his personal record, Cabrera’s appearance in The Masters 2025 has made much noise around fans, who aren’t thrilled about the former champion participating in the first major tournament of the year. Cabrera has a different opinion, nevertheless.
“I deserve to be here—I’ve won The Masters. Why shouldn’t I?” Cabrera firmly responded when asked about his return, following the historic Champions Dinner at Augusta. “I respect other people’s views—everyone is entitled to their own opinion.”
Augusta National president Fred Ridley issued a clear statement regarding his stance—and the tournament’s—on the controversy surrounding Cabrera’s participation.
Angel Cabrera of Argentina plays reacts on the seventh hole during the second round of the Chubb Classic 2025 at Tiburon Golf Club on February 15, 2025 in Naples, Florida.
“We certainly abhor any form of domestic violence,” Augusta National chairman Ridley stated. “As for Ángel, he has served the sentence imposed by the Argentine courts, and he is a former champion, which is why he was invited.”
Though former champions have an automatic invitation to The Masters, Cabrera was unable to participate in the 2024 edition after being denied a visa, leaving him sidelined from the tournament.
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Feels good to be back
“I’m very thankful for the warm welcome—people have treated me beautifully. The golf world is very kind,” Cabrera added. “Obviously, I regret the things I’ve done, but that’s all in the past. I’m only looking forward from here. I never believed I wouldn’t return; I just let things flow. I knew I had made mistakes, and I told myself to be patient and not overthink what could happen.”
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On April 9, The Masters will tee off with 95 contenders vying for eternal glory in the state of Georgia. Cabrera will be one of the biggest names in a star-studded field filled with hungry golfers, all in pursuit of the green jacket most recently worn by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
