In a surprising turn of events, the PGA Tour has cleared Angel Cabrera, the two-time major champion, to participate in their sanctioned events. Cabrera, famously known for his victories at the U.S. Open in 2007 and the Masters in 2009, had recently been released from prison in Argentina on parole for gender violence.
While the PGA Tour does not disclose conduct violations to the public, a tour spokesman has confirmed that the 54-year-old Argentine is now eligible to compete. Cabrera, who served a two-year sentence for threatening and harassing his former partner Cecilia Torres Mana, expressed his desire to rebuild his tarnished image in a recent interview with Golf Digest.
In the heartfelt interview, Cabrera acknowledged his serious mistakes and admitted to his past indiscretions. He expressed remorse for his behavior and offered apologies to both Torres Mana and another former partner, Micaela Escudero, whom he had also mistreated. Cabrera recognized the unfortunate timing of their relationships, as they experienced his worst behavior.
Deeply embarrassed by his actions, Cabrera emphasized his gratitude towards golf, acknowledging that the sport had given him everything. He expressed his regret and acknowledged that he could never fully repay the debt he owed to the game. The golfer also revealed that he was undergoing treatment for alcohol addiction, including taking medication that induced sickness if he were to consume alcohol.
Cabrera's coach, Charlie Epps, revealed that the golfer had been attending alcohol education courses for six hours a week. Epps also shared a heartwarming account of Cabrera's determination to better himself, mentioning that Cabrera was working towards completing his education and that he played with him for five days after his release from prison.
Despite the controversy surrounding him, Cabrera showcased his golfing skills once again by participating in a tournament in Rosario, Argentina, where he tied for 10th place. The question now arises whether Cabrera will receive an invitation to participate in the prestigious Masters tournament, where champions earn a lifetime exemption.
Augusta National, the host of the Masters, has not yet responded to queries regarding Cabrera's possible invitation. Considering his past accomplishments, it remains to be seen how they will handle his controversial history.
In a recent letter obtained by Golf Digest, Cabrera was notified by the PGA Tour that his suspension had been lifted, effective immediately. However, the letter emphasized that any failure to comply with the terms of his release or any legal issues in Argentina could lead to the reinstatement of his suspension.
Cabrera, who boasts seven victories on major tours worldwide, including his most recent win at the Greenbrier Classic in 2014, is best remembered for his triumphs at Oakmont and the Masters. His resilience and the iconic shot he played out of the trees on the 18th hole demonstrate his extraordinary golfing abilities.
During his time in prison, Cabrera was granted limited visits with his partner due to his good behavior. In November 2022, Yamila Alvarez, his partner of four years, gave birth to their son. They subsequently married in October after Cabrera's release.
In the Golf Digest interview, Cabrera expressed a sense of rebirth and hope as he returned to the golf course. With optimism filling his voice, he spoke of his desire to regain his status as an accomplished athlete and his determination to work hard in order to rebuild his image.
For Cabrera, golf is not just a game—it is his life. Despite the challenges he has faced and the mistakes he has made, he holds a deep-seated love and dedication to the sport. With his second chance, he is committed to making the most of it and continuing his journey in the world of golf.
Time will tell if Cabrera can truly redeem himself and rebuild his reputation, both on and off the golf course. As golf fans, we are left with a mixture of curiosity, anticipation, and perhaps a glimmer of hope for a successful comeback story.
