Rory McIlroy disclosed ‘ironic’ note from disgraced Masters champion in his locker after Augusta triumph

Rory McIlroy was greeted by a note from ex-Masters champion Angel Cabrera before his famous victory at Augusta last year.

The Northern Irishman finally completed the career grand slam at the 11th attempt – banishing demons that lived with him for 14 years.

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McIlroy infamously squandered a four-shot lead during the final round of the 2011 Masters, carding a disastrous 80 and ending up in a tie for 15th.

Playing alongside him that day was 2009 champion Cabrera.

The Argentine returned to the Masters in 2025 for the first time since 2019 after serving two-and-a-half years in prison.

And speaking at the press conference that followed his victory, McIlroy said: “You know, since 2011… I think it’s so ironic, as well.

“I got to my locker this morning and I opened it up, and there was a note in there from Angel Cabrera, and just wishing me luck.

“And Angel Cabrera was the player I played with on the final day in 2011, it was a nice touch and a little bit ironic at the same time.

“It’s been 14 long years, but thankfully I got the job done.”

Cabrera was jailed in 2021 after being found guilty of assault and intimidation against two of his ex-partners.

The 55-year-old’s failure to appear in an Argentinian court triggered an Interpol warrant for his arrest, which eventually happened in Rio de Janeiro.

He then spent five months inside a Brazilian jail before he was transferred back to his home country and was imprisoned at the Carcel de Bouwer in southern Buenos Aires.

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Time to defend

McIlroy heads into the 2026 Masters in questionable form following an underwhelming start to the season.

Golf legend Dame Laura Davies has admitted she does not expect him to add a second Green Jacket to his wardrobe.

She told talkSPORT: “I’m going to say no on that one. Not because I don’t want him to and I’d like nothing more to see it again.

“I don’t think that will ever be beaten because of the drama and the way you want it. But I don’t think he’s actually playing at his absolute best.

“He’s been tinkering with clubs. We know he changed from his irons to a cavity back, back to the normal ones.

“He just doesn’t seem like he’s playing at his absolute top level. And if your game’s not 100 per cent in all departments, Augusta will find that out.”

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What’s on the menu?

Regardless of whether McIlroy contends, it will be a special week as he gets to play host at the Champions’ Dinner.

Tiger Woods will not be there, Augusta have confirmed, following his decision to step away from golf.

The five-time Masters champion was recently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a car crash and pleaded not guilty.

For the past champions in attendance, here is what’s on the menu…