Tiger Woods is in the Masters field. But one controversial past champion is not.
The announcement of Tiger Woods’ participation in the 2024 Masters has ignited a blend of excitement and doubt among golf enthusiasts. Despite boasting an impressive five green jackets and the status of a past champion, questions linger regarding his preparedness for the esteemed tournament. Woods’ recent sparse appearances on the course, including a withdrawal from…
The announcement of Tiger Woods’ participation in the 2024 Masters has ignited a blend of excitement and doubt among golf enthusiasts. Despite boasting an impressive five green jackets and the status of a past champion, questions linger regarding his preparedness for the esteemed tournament. Woods’ recent sparse appearances on the course, including a withdrawal from the Genesis Invitational last month due to illness and skipping the Players Championship, have raised concerns about his form. With less than three weeks until the Masters, his limited presence on the fairways this season raises eyebrows, particularly following his ankle surgery after last year’s Masters, where he withdrew during the weekend after making the cut. Over the past four years, Woods has grappled with injuries and inconsistency, completing all four rounds of a tournament only twice. While his inclusion in the Masters field offers a glimmer of hope for his supporters, it doesn’t guarantee his active participation, especially considering his pledge to play once a month in 2024.
In stark contrast, the absence of Angel Cabrera from the Masters lineup is notable. The controversial past champion, now 54, has faced legal turmoil stemming from assault allegations made by his former partner, Cecilia Torres Mana. In July 2021, an Argentine court convicted him of assault, harassment, and threats against Torres Mana, resulting in his arrest in Rio de Janeiro. Although he was released in August, visa complications have persisted, preventing his participation in the 2024 Masters despite being reinstated by the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions in December.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley had previously expressed openness to Cabrera’s return if visa issues were resolved. However, Cabrera’s agent confirmed that unresolved obstacles have dashed hopes for his Masters comeback. With the tournament slated to commence on April 11, all eyes will be on Jon Rahm as he defends his title as the reigning champion, amidst the contrasting tales of Woods’ potential return and Cabrera’s absence.