Masters champion makes controversial return to Augusta 18 months after leaving prison

Former champion is poised to feature at Augusta this week following his release from prison. It will be the first time in six years that the Argentine will return to the course where he once triumphed.

Cabrera was found guilty in 2021 of several charges that included assault, theft and illegal intimidation against former girlfriends. He served 30 months in South American prisons and .

Cabrera did not pick up a club for three years but on his release from prison received a set from his long-time coach, mentor and friend Charlie Epps. The 81-year-old said "golf is all he has left".

The Argentine's criminal convictions don't appear to have dampened his reputation with some. Masters chairman Fred Ridley said before last year's tournament that Cabrera was "one of our great champions". He also added that: "He has been unable to participate in the Masters the last couple of years due to legal issues. 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."

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Any individual who wins the Masters receives a lifetime exemptions to play in the tournament when it comes around but Cabrera was because of visa issues.

Cabrera won a play-off to win the Green Jacket in 2009 and was narrowly denied a second when he was beaten in another play-off back in 2013 with Adam Scott getting the better of him on that occasion. He last played in the Masters in 2019 but could yet add a third major to his CV having also won the US Open back in 2007.

He will return to the annual Champions Dinner on Tuesday at Augusta National. All of past winners gather for a meal with the menu chosen by the defending champion. Host Ben Crenshaw, winner of the 1984 and 1995 Masters, said: "I'm excited to see Angel. The focus of the dinner will be on Scottie [Scheffler, the reigning champion], but it'll be great to have Angel back."

Not everyone is so enthusiastic about the Argentine's imminent return. Jamie Klingler - co-founder of the Reclaim These Streets pressure group - has made her view clear. She said: “It seems as long as male athletes can excel at hitting a ball, we excuse those same men hitting women. Because the trophies they win are valued more than his victim’s life.”

Before last year's Masters, Cabrera told Golf Digest: "It is my dream to return to that prestigious place. I played at Augusta for almost 20 years in a row. It is like a second home to me. It would be a great privilege to return and attend the champions dinner with so many of the world's greatest players."

On Sunday the 55-year-old won his first strokeplay title since being freed. He also triumphed in a matchplay event on the Legends Tour in England in June 2024.