Ben Smith: “It’s a disgrace Angel Cabrera is at The Masters this week”

Should Angel Cabrera be allowed to compete in the 2025 Masters? GolfMagic’s Ben Smith believes it’s outrageous that the Argentine was even let near Augusta National.

Initially, when I heard the 2009 Masters champion was set to play this year, I didn’t rush to form an opinion like many others. I felt it was more sensible to wait—to hear from Cabrera himself or get some clarity from Augusta National—before weighing in.

I support the idea of rehabilitation and believe that people who’ve committed serious offenses deserve the opportunity for redemption.

However, after listening to Cabrera’s recent remarks and noting the complete silence from Augusta’s leadership, I’ve come to a conclusion.

Cabrera has no place at The Masters. Allowing him to return as if nothing occurred is, frankly, disgraceful.

Personally, watching him smiling at the past champions’ dinner on Tuesday made me uncomfortable.

Many people make grave mistakes and serve time. Many seek forgiveness and express true regret.

But ask yourself, do you believe that your current employer would offer you the same second chance had you been convicted of battering women?

Absolutely not.

Angel Cabrera has served his time and I’m not saying he shouldn’t be allowed to live his life quietly.

But that is all that should be extended to Cabrera and he should be miles away from one of the world’s premiere sporting events.

Because The Masters is more than just a golf tournament.

It is played on the sacred grounds of Augusta National and it supposed to be a celebration of excellence, tradition and the highest standards of integrity.

So the very idea that a domestic abuser should be welcomed back is not just wrong but an absolute bloody disgrace.

Angel Cabrera was not falsely accused. He was convicted of appalling acts after going on the run to try and escape justice.

Take a look these comments made by one his victims and ask yourself whether or not he is worthy a spot in the field this week:

“From the beginning of our relationship, Ángel called me constantly asking where I was and what I was doing.

“Within months of starting the relationship, the attacks, insults, and threats began.

“I couldn’t go to the supermarket or the gym.

Ángel was always convinced I would cheat on him. He used to follow me around and even took my phone.

When he traveled, I stayed at my place, and when he came back, I went to his. In the early days of our relationship, we were hardly ever apart.

Ángel wouldn’t let me see my brother Cristian because he feared Cristian might introduce me to another man.

From the moment he met my family, he started isolating me. He wouldn’t allow me to visit them—even my mother, who was dying of cancer—because he was paranoid I might meet someone else.

“Sometimes, Ángel would video call me when he was on tour, and I had to show him where I was and who I was with. I began to feel very anxious and suffocated.

“He made me do very kinky things and hit me if I refused.

“If Ángel was with his friends in a meeting, I had to be in the bedroom without an Internet connection. It was very humiliating. –

All the damage Cabrera has caused his previous partners will stay with them throughout their entire lives.

The management of Augusta National has faced persistent pressure regarding its decisions about membership standards as well as its brand perception and institutional change initiatives.

Allowing Cabrera to join the competition constitutes a major advance in the wrong direction.

Such a move puts The Masters at risk of becoming an empty recognition-free event instead of a meaningful competition.