Angel Cabrera makes cut in first professional start since prison release

Former Masters and U.S. champion Angel Cabrera is back in professional golf.

On Friday, Cabrera made the cut at the Abierto del Litoral (The Coast Open) in his native country of Argentina, his first start since serving 30 months in Brazil and Argentina prisons stemming from charges of domestic violence against two ex-girlfriends.

Cabrara, who is 54, shot an even-par 71 in the opening round, in what is his first professional appearance since the 2020 Senior Players Championship. In the second round, fighting to make the cut, Cabrera found some of his old magic, posting a five-under 66 to comfortably qualify for the weekend. His second round included five birdies and an eagle as he played his final seven holes in five under par.

Cabrera was arrested on an Interpol warrant in January 2021, in Brazil, and received a sentence of three years and 10 months for the two charges. He was released early on Aug. 4 of this year.

“I just want to go home, be with my family and start a new phase of my life,” he told Golf Digest at the time.

It remains to be seen if Cabrera will be able to return to the U.S. to seek playing opportunities. He currently needs permission to leave Argentina, and, according to Golfweek, is suspended by the Champions tour. Cabrera will need to apply for reinstatement if he hopes to tee it up once again on the senior circuit.

Also unclear is whether he might be able to return to the Masters, where past winners are invited back to play until they’re 66.

Cabrera won three times on the PGA Tour, including two majors at the 2007 U.S. Open and 2009 Masters. He owns 53 wins worldwide.