How Rory McIlroy’s 2011 Masters Playing Partner Helped Him During 2025 Triumph

In 2011, Rory McIlroy went into The Masters as a four-shot leader and was paired with 2009 Champion Àngel Cabrera. It would be the Northern Irishman’s best shot at a Masters title for several years until 2018 and then 2022.

But on Sunday, ahead of his final round where he held a two-shot lead, McIlroy opened his locker at Augusta National. What was in there was a note from Cabrera, aiming to calm his nerves and let him know he was ready for this moment. He was not the player he was 14 years ago.

“Just wishing me luck, and Àngel Cabrera was the player I played with on the final day in 2011. It was sort of a nice touch and a little ironic at the same time. It’s been 14 long years, but, thankfully, I got the job done.”

El gesto de Ángel Cabrera hacia el campeón del Masters. #elmasters | @McIlroyRory pic.twitter.com/lpPSrNrbAH

— El Masters (@TheMasters_ES) April 14, 2025

McIlroy’s triumph at the 2025 Masters was his final piece of the Career Grand Slam, something he sought to achieve since the young age of just 7 years old. Cabrera might have felt a touch of compassion for Rory, he had been going through his own trials and tribulations, too, except off the course and far away from Augusta National.

Cabrera returned to The Masters this year after spending the last few years in legal trouble. He knew what it was like to face adversity, and he knew McIlroy was facing his own demons in Georgia.

The gesture from the 2009 Masters winner was surely one that might have given Rory a bit of confidence. Whatever it did, it worked.

Cover Image via Daily Mail