Tiger Woods is in the Masters field but one controversial past is standing against him
Tiger Woods has been included in the field for the upcoming 2024 Masters, as revealed by Augusta National Golf Club’s website this week. While this news may not be entirely surprising given Woods’ status as a past champion with five green jackets to his name, his recent sparse appearances on the course raise questions about…
Tiger Woods has been included in the field for the upcoming 2024 Masters, as revealed by Augusta National Golf Club’s website this week. While this news may not be entirely surprising given Woods’ status as a past champion with five green jackets to his name, his recent sparse appearances on the course raise questions about his readiness for the prestigious event. With less than three weeks until the Masters, Woods has only competed once this season, withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational last month due to illness and opting out of the Players Championship.
Woods’ 2023 season was curtailed by ankle surgery following the Masters, where he managed to make the cut but withdrew during the weekend. Over the past four years, he has completed all four rounds of a tournament just twice, indicating his struggles with injuries and consistency. While Woods’ inclusion in the field does not confirm his participation, especially given his declaration in December to play once a month in 2024, it offers hope for his supporters.
Conversely, one notable absence from the Masters lineup is Angel Cabrera, the controversial past champion. Cabrera, aged 54, faced legal troubles stemming from assault allegations by his former partner, Cecilia Torres Mana. In July 2021, an Argentine court convicted Cabrera of assault, harassment, and threats against Torres Mana, leading to his arrest in Rio de Janeiro earlier that year. Despite being released in August, Cabrera’s legal issues have persisted, including complications with his visa, preventing his participation in the 2024 Masters despite being reinstated by the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions in December.
Although Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley had expressed willingness to welcome Cabrera back to the tournament if his visa issues were resolved, the Argentine golfer’s agent confirmed that the obstacles remain unresolved, thwarting his return to the Masters. With the tournament set to commence on April 11, Jon Rahm will defend his title as the reigning champion.
