Angel Cabrera shot 1-over 73 Friday on the PGA Tour Champions’ American Household Insurance coverage Championship in Madison, Wisconsin, his first aggressive spherical within the U.S. in practically 4 years.
The 54-year-old Cabrera, who was T-43 and 5 pictures off the lead after 18 holes at College Ridge Golf Course, had solely not too long ago been permitted a visa to compete within the U.S. following his launch final August from an Argentine jail, the place he accomplished a 30-month jail sentence.
“I really feel good,” Cabrera informed reporters by way of an interpreter. “I wish to play golf. I hit some actually good pictures, I missed some simple pictures, however typically I really feel fairly good on the course and with the folks I performed with (Scott McCarron and Scott Dunlap).”
Cabrera’s final performed a U.S.-based match in September 2020. Just a few months later, in January 2021, Cabrera was arrested in Brazil and extradited again to his dwelling nation, the place he was later convicted of assault, theft and authorized intimidation of former associate Cecilia Torres Mana and assault of one other former associate, Micaela Escudero.
“I refused to hearken to anybody and did what I wished, how I wished and once I wished,” Cabrera informed Golf Digest final yr. “That was incorrect. I ask Micaela for forgiveness. I ask Celia for forgiveness. That they had the unhealthy luck of being with me once I was at my worst. I wasn’t the satan, however I did unhealthy issues. I’m deeply embarrassed as a result of I upset the folks closest to me – and everybody who loves me by golf.
“Golf gave me all the things, and I do know I’ll by no means be capable of repay the debt I owe this sport.”
Whereas in jail, Cabrera went again to high school and started remedy for alcohol habit. His present associate, Yamila Alvarez, welcomed their son in December 2022, and Cabrera and Alvarez wed final October. Cabrera was then reinstated by the PGA Tour final December, although till now he’d been resigned to competing in occasions outdoors the U.S., together with the KFT’s Argentina Open and PGA Tour Champions’ Trophee Hassan II. Cabrera missed final April’s Masters Event whereas ready on his visa challenge to be resolved; he hasn’t performed the yr’s first main since 2019.
Cabrera is reportedly additionally set to play subsequent week’s Dick’s Sporting Items Open, the PGA Tour Champions occasion in Endicott, New York, although like this week’s match, Cabrera will begin on the alternate checklist until he receives a sponsor exemption.
“Sure, sure, it’s a brand new starting,” Cabrera stated. “It’s a terrific future forward.”
