Explained: Why Angel Cabrera can play The Masters

Former Masters champion Angel Cabrera will be welcomed back to Augusta National this week for the first time in six years. 

Cabrera heads into the first men's major of the year in the best possible form having claimed his maiden title on the senior U.S. circuit last week. 

The 55-year-old won the inaugural James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational on the PGA Tour Champions.

It marked his first victory anywhere in nearly 11 years and now Cabrera will now focus on the 2025 Masters. 

But the Argentine golfer's mere presence in Georgia will be controversial given his arrest and conviction for domestic violence offences.

What did Angel Cabrera do?

Cabrera, nicknamed El Pato (The Duck) because of his gait, was found guilty in 2021 of numerous charges that included assault, theft and illegal intimidation against former girlfriends. 

He fled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in January 2021 and was extradited back to his homeland after being placed on Interpol's Red Notice list. 

He was released in August 2023 after serving 30 months in various South American prisons. 

Cabrera also spent time incarcerated at the notorious Carcel del Bouwer which has been dubbed 'El Penal del Infierno' (the Prison from Hell). 

Who were his victims?

Cabrera was convicted of assaulting and threatening two former partners. 

Cecilia Torres Mana was Cabrera's partner between 2016 and 2018. 

Micaela Escudero also dated the golfer. 

His ex-wife, Silva Rivadero, has also alleged that he was physically and verbally abusive. 

Torres Mana previously gave a wide-ranging interview with Orato where she laid bare what her life was like with Cabrera.

Their relationship was 'normal' to start with, she said, but it 'quickly turned into physical and psychological submission'. 

She said the golfer refused to let her see her dying mother, hit her when she refused to engage in his 'kinky' requests and followed her when she went shopping and to the gym. 

On one occasion, he locked her in a hotel room and made her sleep in a closet when she accompanied him to a golf tournament in Texas.

Is Cabrera married now?

Yes. 

Cabrera married Yamila Alvarez is October 2023. Their son, Felipe, was born in November 2022. 

What has Augusta National said about Cabrera?

Unsurprisingly, not a lot. 

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley was asked about the prospect of Cabrera playing The Masters in 2024. 

Ridley noted Cabrera's issues in obtaining a visa to enter the United States and added that he would be welcomed back with open arms. 

Cabrera was even described as 'one of our great champions' by Ridley. 

Why can Angel Cabrera play The Masters?

All Masters champions receive lifetime exemptions to play in the tournament. 

Cabrera won 2009 Masters in a sudden-death playoff against Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell. 

He became the first Argentine and South American to win the green jacket. 

What has Angel Cabrera said about what happened?

Cabrera has given a few interviews since his release from prison. 

His most recent was with the DailyMail. 

"Right now, I'm fine, but I regret everything that I have done wrongly in my past," he said.  

"And I am also frustrated that I dumped very, very important years of my life. I made mistakes."