Angel Cabrera withdraws from PGA Tour Champions playoff opener

Disgraced former Masters champion Angel Cabrera has withdrawn from this week's PGA Tour Champions event.

The Argentine golfer, who won the green jacket in 2009, has enjoyed a competitive 2026 campaign on the senior circuit, recording several strong finishes. 

He had finished 39th in the order of merit, meaning he was eligible for the first leg of the PGA Tour Champions' playoffs - the Simmons Bank Championship - in Arkansas. 

Only the top 54 players qualify for the $2.3m tournament at Pleasant Valley Country Club, with the top 36 advancing to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in two weeks' time. 

Cabrera's son and caddie confirmed the golfer's withdrawal on Instagram, writing "Due to personal reasons, we will not be participating in the next tournament.

"Thank you very much to everyone who always supports us. See you soon on the course."

Cabrera, 57, remains one of the most accomplished players competing on the over-50s circuit.

His career highlights include victories at the 2007 US Open and the 2009 Masters, making him one of the few South American golfers to have won multiple men’s major championships.

He also claimed the 2014 Greenbrier Classic on the PGA Tour before establishing himself on the senior circuit, where he has added three victories, including the 2025 Senior PGA Championship.

His career has not been without controversy, though. 

Cabrera returned to professional golf in 2023 after serving approximately 30 months in prison for domestic violence offences involving two former partners.

He was convicted in Argentina in July 2021 of assaulting, threatening and harassing former partner Cecilia Torres Mana. 

He was sentenced to two years in prison.

In a separate case in November 2022, Cabrera pleaded guilty to threats and harassment involving another former partner, Micaela Escudero. 

The court imposed a sentence of three years and 10 months, with the sentences served concurrently.

The golfer had left Argentina in 2020 while legal proceedings were under way. 

He was arrested in Brazil in January 2021 and extradited to Argentina later that year.

Cabrera was released on parole in August 2023 after spending around 30 months in custody. 

He subsequently expressed regret over his conduct and apologised publicly to the women involved.

The PGA Tour suspended Cabrera following his conviction but reinstated him in December 2023 after his release from prison.

His return to the United States was initially complicated by visa issues. 

He eventually returned to the Masters in April 2025, making his first appearance at Augusta National since 2019.

His participation prompted renewed scrutiny of the decision to welcome a convicted domestic abuser back to one of golf’s most prestigious events. 

Masters chairman Fred Ridley defended the invitation, noting that Cabrera had served the sentence imposed by the Argentine courts.

Despite the controversy, Cabrera has continued to compete successfully on PGA Tour Champions, winning senior titles in 2025, including the Senior PGA Championship.