The biggest story coming out of the Augusta National Golf Club this week is perhaps the inclusion of Angel Cabrera, the 2009 Masters winner, who plays despite several beliefs to threats and harassment against two of his ex-boyfriend.
Cabrera spent almost two years in prison in Brazil and Argentina before being released on trialness in August 2023. He was later cleared to play at PGA Tour Champions Events later that year.
Cabrera was asked by journalists if he “deserved” to play in this year’s Masters considering his time in prison for his crimes.
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Angel Cabrera goes to the 14th tee during a practice round for the Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Peter Casey-Preferred Pictures)
“I won the masters,” Cabrera said via the New York Post. “Why not?”
Regardless of the age or rank of the world stage, winners of Masters life exempt exemptions to play in the tournament every year, and Cabrera benefits from it.
Angel Cabrera wins 1. Golf event since imprisoned release
He also attended the annual Champions dinner on Tuesday night after his practice.
“Life has given me a new opportunity,” he added. “I have to take advantage of it and do the right things in this other option. Obviously, I’m sorry about things that happened and you learn from them.”
Cabrera won his first golf tournament since he was released from prison and picked up the victory at James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, which is a PGA Tour Champions event. He shot 11-under pari to squeeze a win over KJ Choi and Retief Goosen.
Angel Cabrera will appear during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Peter Casey-Preferred Pictures)
“Everything I’ve gone through the last few years, being here, having a chance to win is very emotional,” he said after his victory.
While there are many who call Augusta National Golf Club to have allowed Cabrera to play, there are some who are happy to see him as 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott.
“It’s a happy thing for me. We have a pretty long story,” Scott said of Cabrera Sunday ahead of Masters Week. “I first met him on the European tour before we were both on the PGA Tour. We have played Presidents Cups, we have been partners.”
Angel Cabrera takes a shot from the 14th tee during a practice round for the Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Peter Casey-Preferred Pictures)
Cabrera goes out for her first round on Masters Thursday at. 10:59 with Laurie Canter and Adam Schenk.
