Masters champion weighs in on Angel Cabrera return

For the first time in six years, Angel Cabrera will tee it up in the Masters.

The Argentinian slipped into the green jacket in 2009 and took the trip down Magnolia Lane for the next ten years.

But he skipped the event in 2020 and 2021 before spending two-and-a-half years in a South American prison for domestic violence convictions.

The 55-year-old was released from prison in August 2023 and has since moved to Houston, Texas, whilst carving out a stint on the Champions Tour.

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Now he has been granted a visa, Cabrera can play the 2025 Masters via his past champion exemption status, and one fellow winner has weighed in on that prospect.

As reported by Golfweek, Ben Crenshaw – a winner of the Masters in 1984 and 1995 – will welcome Cabrera with open arms.

“I tell you what, I’m excited to see Angel,” he said on Friday at the annual Imagine Muny gala in Austin, Texas.

“The focus of the [Champions] dinner will be on Scottie [Scheffler], but it’ll be great to have Angel back.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him.”

Cabrera has previously outlined his intent to contest the opening major of the men’s season again and was invited to the event last year.

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However, that spot was unused because his visa had expired.

Ahead of last year’s tournament, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said he would also welcome back ‘El Pato’ on the basis that his legal issues were resolved.

“Angel certainly is one of our great champions,” Ridley said.

“As we all know, he has been unable to participate in the Masters the last couple of years due to legal issues. Presently we have been in constant contact with Angel’s representatives. He presently is not able to enter the United States. He doesn’t have a visa, and I know that that process is being worked through.

“We certainly wish him the best of luck with that, and we’ll definitely welcome him back if he’s able to straighten out those legal issues.”

Cabrera is currently one of 92 players listed in the field.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.