Angel Cabrera Makes His Masters Return Leaving Opinions Divided

After serving a prison sentence of two years down in Argentina, professional golfer Angel Cabrera is looking to make a comeback at the 2025 Masters event in April.  He was released in 2023 but was not able to participate in any PGA or other international events due to issues with his visa.  He is going to face some difficulties going forward and not just because he was in jail.  Another player is making his way through the PGA Tour right now who did time.  Cabrera is going to face some issues because of the reason he was in prison.

Why Was Angel Cabrera in Jail?

Now there is no gentle way of putting this, Angel Cabrera was incarcerated for domestic violence.  He was brought to court by two of his former partners who experienced physical abuse from him.  He was arrested when he left Argentina for Brazil while the trial was ongoing and was arrested as a result.  After he served his time, he came out to the press expressing his deepest regrets over the actions he took in an interview with Golf Digest.

“I refused to listen to anyone and did what I wanted, how I wanted and when I wanted,” Cabrera said. “That was wrong. I ask Micaela for forgiveness. I ask Celia for forgiveness. They had the bad luck of being with me when I was at my worst. I wasn’t the devil, but I did bad things.”

Cabrera continues describing his regrets over his actions.

“I am deeply embarrassed because I disappointed the people closest to me — and everyone who loves me through golf,” he said. “Golf gave me everything, and I know I will never be able to repay the debt I owe this sport.”

He has also been going through classes and treatments to address his alcohol addiction.  Something that he pins as a cause for his erratic behavior.  He believes that he was given a second chance and right after his release he planned on making the most of it and turning a new leaf.  The future of his career also depended on it as his PGA Tour status was under threat of suspension if he did not comply with his parole after release.

Why Was Angel Cabrera Invited?

It has been a long-standing tradition that former champions are invited to play at the Masters event.  Angel Cabrera happens to be the 2009 champion, beyond that, he still has the skill to qualify and make for a good show.  Last time Cabrera played in the masters was in 2019 when Tiger Woods won.  Fans can look forward to also seeing Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler again.  Angel is more interested in getting his career back in order after his release.  

Reactions Within The Masters

Despite Angel Cabrera’s recent history, some golfers still acknowledge his skill as a golfer and respect him for that.  Former champion Ben Crenshaw has said “It’ll be great to have Angel back.”

The Chairman of the course that hosts the Masters, Fred Ridley is quoted as saying:

“Angel certainly is one of our great champions.  As we all know, he has been unable to participate in the Masters the last couple of years due to legal issues…We’ll definitely welcome him back if he’s able to straighten out those legal issues.”

Fan Reactions To Cabrera Returning

This decision is being seen as controversial by the fans given the reason why he went to prison. “That is going to be some seriously bad PR,” one fan was quoted.

Another fan was a bit more honest about what they think, “I hope he gets heckled off the course. The guy should be six feet under for his crimes against women.” Fans are not interested in seeing Angel Cabrera back on the course.  They seem more interested in just not hearing about him again.

At The Masters

Angel Cabrera is set to play at the masters, facing off against former champions as well as the current champion Scottie Scheffler.  The fans, however, may be giving the final verdict on what will happen to Cabrera going forward.