Ex-con Angel Cabrera plays first US tournament at American Family Championship after 30 months in prison - “It’s a great future ahead”

Angel Cabrera teed off at the PGA Tour Champions' American Family Insurance Championship on Friday, June 7. The 54-year-old entered the competition field in Madison, Wisconsin, marking his return to competitive golf in the US in around four years. His last professional round on US soil was in September 2020.

Cabrera shot 1-over 73 in the competition and sat T-43 on Friday. The golfer stayed five shots off the lead after 18 holes at University Ridge Golf Course. The former Masters champion, who returned to the field after completing a 30-month jail sentence, dubbed it a “new beginning.” The former PGA Tour star added that he sees “a great future” ahead of him.

The Argentine golfer went on to thank the Champions Tour for inviting him to the event. It is pertinent to note that Cabrera was guaranteed a spot at the tournament via a sponsor exemption.

Speaking after his opening round at the American Family Insurance Championship, Angel Cabrera said via interpreter and caddie Ruben Yorio, as quoted by Golfweek:

“Yes, yes, it’s a new beginning. It’s a great future ahead… I’m very thankful for American Family for inviting me. I played with one of the (employees Thursday in the pro-am). I’m very thankful to all the people. Good course, good tournament. I can’t be more thankful to everyone.”

Cabrera teed off on Friday alongside Scott McCarron and Scott Dunlap. Notably, the ace golfer made two birdies against two bogeys and a double bogey during his opening round. Addressing his game, he noted that he “hit some really good shots” and he “feels good.” Notably, only fewer than a hundred fans clapped as Cabrera ended his round.

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Why was Angel Cabrera in prison?

For those unaware, Angel Cabrera spent jail time for gender violence. The three-time PGA Tour winner was released on August 4, 2023, after spending 30 months in prison. Notably, the South American golfer’s last trip to the US in 2020 was unauthorized and led to the filing of an arrest warrant by Interpol.

Cabrera was convicted for the charges of assault, theft and legal intimidation of former partner Cecilia Torres Mana. Having spent six months in a Brazilian jail, he was extradited back to Argentina in 2022. He was also charged for a separate assault on former partner Micaela Escudero.

During his sentence, Cabrera reportedly began treatment for alcohol addiction. The golfer married his current partner, Yamila Alvarez, last October. The duo had earlier welcomed a son in December 2022.

Despite being free from his sentence last year, the Argentine’s formal return to the PGA Tour was delayed as he failed to secure a visa to play in the US.

Now, Angel Cabrera is in the US and has entered the AmFam and the Dick’s Open happening later this month. Despite being a past major champion, the golfer is placed on the Champions event’s alternate list.

For the unversed, Cabrera won the 2007 US Open and the Masters in 2009.