Disgraced Masters champion left 'ironic note' in Rory McIlroy's locker at Augusta National
Rory McIlroy became just the sixth golfer to complete a career Grand Slam when he won The Masters in 2025 - and he revealed a disgraced former champion left an 'ironic' note by his locker before his final round.
McIlroy added the fourth major to his collection when he defeated Justin Rose in a play-off hole last April.
He received his green jacket from 2024 winner Scottie Scheffler, and received a series of special perks upon his return to Augusta National this year.
They included a special parking permit, access to the private, champions-only Augusta practice facility, and acting as the host for the traditional Masters Champions Dinner.
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He also receives his own locker in the Champions' Locker Room, which he shares with previous champions Raymond Floyd and the late Ben Hogan.
One of the other lockers belongs to Argentine golfer Angel Cabrera, who won The Masters in 2009.
Cabrera continued to play in at Augusta yearly until 2019, before being sentenced to two years in prison for threats and harassment towards an ex-partner in July 2021.
He later received an additional sentence for threats and harassment towards another ex-partner in November 2022.
Cabrera served both sentences, totalling three years and 10 months, concurrently. He was released from jail on parole in August 2023.
The 56-year-old was authorised to return to PGA Tour events later that year, and is competing at Augusta National in 2026.
Cabrera was McIlroy's playing partner on the infamous final day of the 2011 Masters.
The Northern Irishman ended the third day with a four-stroke lead as he looked to win his first major at the age of 21.
But he endured a disastrous back nine, which included a double and triple bogey, and carded a final round score of 80 to finish tied for 15th.
McIlroy would not come as close to winning The Masters prior to his success in 2025.
"You know, since 2011, I think it's so ironic, as well," he told reporters about the note from Cabrera.
"I got to my locker this morning and I opened it up, and there was a note in there from Angel Cabrera, 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."
Since his comeback to the PGA Tour, Cabrera has continued to play in Legends Tour events as well as his appearances at Augusta National.
He won the Senior PGA Championship in May 2025, finishing ahead of runner-up Padraig Harrington by one shot.
Ryan Smart