Ricardo Gonzalez Wins Trophy Hassan II in Morocco
Staff Writer

Ricardo Gonzalez, a talented golfer from Argentina, made his mark on the PGA Tour Champions by winning the prestigious Trophy Hassan II held at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Morocco. This tremendous achievement solidifies Gonzalez’s standing as one of the most promising players in the field.
Gonzalez, who was accompanied by his devoted son throughout the tournament, displayed exceptional skill and determination. The 54-year-old golfer showcased his prowess with a brilliant 3-under 70 score, securing the title and making him the fourth player from Argentina to attain victory on the illustrious PGA Tour Champions.
The final day of the tournament proved to be a thrilling affair, with Thomas Bjorn, a seasoned golfer, closely trailing Gonzalez. However, Gonzalez’s remarkable performance and unyielding resolve took him over the finish line. He ended the competition with an impressive 10-under score, leaving Bjorn one stroke behind. Y.E. Yang, who shared the lead heading into the final round, alongside Mark Hensby, finished tied for third at 7 under.
Gonzalez’s triumph is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport. Across his extensive career, which spans four PGA Tour-sanctioned tours, Gonzalez has made 38 starts, impressively making the cut 28 times. Notably, he has claimed six top-10 finishes, amassing nearly $350,000 in winnings.
Providing a fitting response to his victory, Gonzalez expressed his overwhelming happiness and deep emotional connection to the sport. “I worked so much to be here, and this is my trophy. I like that,” he said, reflecting on his remarkable achievement.
In addition to the glorious triumph, Gonzalez received a substantial prize of $320,000 for his exceptional performance. This victory catapults him to an impressive third place in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with on the PGA Tour Champions circuit.
The defending champion of the event, Stephen Ames, who had emerged as last week’s winner at the Chubb Classic, finished tied for 16th place, showcasing the fierce competition encountered on the PGA Tour Champions.
Another notable golfer from Argentina, Angel Cabrera, made his return to the PGA Tour Champions at the Trophy Hassan II. Cabrera, the esteemed winner of the 2009 Masters tournament, delivered a commendable performance, finishing tied for 27th place. Notably, his strongest round of the week came on Saturday, where he carded a remarkable 3-under 70.
Cabrera’s journey back to the PGA Tour Champions has been met with various challenges. He has been diligently working on obtaining a visa to the United States to resume his professional career, with hopes of participating in the Masters tournament once again. Currently, his focus lies in securing a visa, which has become a top priority. Cabrera’s manager, Manuel Tagle, revealed that they are actively making arrangements for an appointment with the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, and they anticipate a meeting in early March. This is crucial as Cabrera’s visa had expired in January 2024.
In conclusion, Ricardo Gonzalez’s exceptional triumph at the Trophy Hassan II has elevated him to new heights in the world of golf. His victory showcases the remarkable talent and dedication that have become synonymous with his name. Meanwhile, Angel Cabrera’s return to the PGA Tour Champions demonstrates his unwavering passion for the sport, as he continues to pursue his professional career amidst visa challenges. Both players serve as a true inspiration to aspiring golfers around the globe, and their remarkable performances will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Ricardo Gonzalez made the cut in his career?
Ricardo Gonzalez has made the cut an impressive 28 times in his career across the four PGA Tour-sanctioned tours.
What position did Thomas Bjorn finish in the Trophy Hassan II?
Thomas Bjorn finished as the runner-up, closely trailing Ricardo Gonzalez by one stroke.
3. Who is the defending champion of the Trophy Hassan II?
Stephen Ames, the winner of last week’s Chubb Classic, was the defending champion of the Trophy Hassan II.
What is Angel Cabrera’s priority at the moment?
Angel Cabrera’s current priority is to secure a visa, enabling him to resume his professional career and potentially compete in the Masters tournament once again.
When did Angel Cabrera’s visa expire?
Angel Cabrera’s visa expired in January 2024. Efforts are underway to schedule an appointment with the U.S. Embassy in Argentina in early March to rectify this situation. Ricardo Gonzalez, a talented golfer from Argentina, recently won the prestigious Trophy Hassan II in Morocco, solidifying his standing as one of the most promising players on the PGA Tour Champions. His victory, secured with an impressive 10-under score, also earned him a substantial prize of $320,000 and catapulted him to third place in the Charles Schwab Cup standings. Another notable golfer from Argentina, Angel Cabrera, made his return to the PGA Tour Champions at this event, and despite facing visa challenges, delivered a commendable performance with a strong round of 3-under 70. Both Gonzalez and Cabrera serve as inspirations to aspiring golfers around the world, showcasing their talent and dedication to the sport.
Updated February 27, 2024