From prison cell to Augusta Masters for former champion: “I have a second chance”

From the heights of glory to the depths of disgrace – that’s the path Ángel Cabrera has walked, both personally and professionally. The Argentine golfer made history in 2009 when he became the first Latin American to win the Masters at Augusta. But in recent years, everything changed.

Following accusations of domestic violence and intimidation from his ex-wife, Silvia Rivadero, and several former partners, Cabrera served a 30-month prison sentence split between Argentina and Brazil.

“Right now, I’m doing well. But I regret everything I did wrong in the past,” Cabrera told the Daily Mail in a recent interview. “It frustrates me that I let so many important years slip away. I made mistakes. Losing your freedom is one of the hardest things a person can go through. It’s really tough. But what matters most now is that I have a second chance – the chance to get back on the right path.”

Legal troubles have kept Cabrera from playing at the Masters since 2019, his last appearance at Augusta. Though he completed his sentence in August 2023, visa issues prevented him from competing in 2024. Now, in 2025, he’s set to return – closing the circle on what he calls his “sporting redemption.” Cabrera is listed among the players for this year’s Masters, scheduled for April 10–13.

“It’s the place every golfer wants to be,” he said, also expressing deep remorse. “I’m sorry and ashamed. I made serious mistakes. I refused to listen to anyone and did whatever I wanted, however and whenever I wanted. That was wrong.

“I apologize to Micaela. I apologize to Celia. They had the bad luck of being with me at my worst. I wasn’t the devil, but I did bad things.”

Now the question is: will he rise to the occasion on his return to the course that once made him a legend?

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