The 54-year-old Cabrera, who was tied for 43rd and five shots off the lead after 18 holes at University Ridge Golf Course, had only recently been granted a visa to compete in the U.S. following his release last August from an Argentine prison, where he served a 30-month sentence.
Back on track
“Feeling good,” Cabrera told reporters through an interpreter. “I like to play golf. I hit some really good shots, I missed some easy shots, but in general I feel pretty good on the course and with the people I played with (Scott McCarron and Scott Dunlap).”
Cabrera last played in a U.S.-based tournament in September 2020. A few months later, in January 2021, he was arrested in Brazil and extradited back to Argentina, where he was subsequently convicted of assault, theft, and legal intimidation of his former partner Cecilia Torres Mana, as well as assault of another former partner, Micaela Escudero.
Asked for forgiveness
“I refused to listen to anyone and did what I wanted, how I wanted, and when I wanted,” Cabrera told Golf Digest last year. “That was wrong. I ask Micaela for forgiveness. I ask Cecilia for forgiveness. They had the bad luck of being with me when I was at my worst. I wasn’t the devil, but I did bad things. I deeply embarrassed myself by disappointing the people closest to me and everyone who loves me through golf.
“Golf gave me everything, and I know I will never be able to repay the debt I owe this sport.”
Life in prison
While in prison, Cabrera returned to education and began treatment for alcohol addiction. His current partner, Yamila Alvarez, welcomed their son in December 2022, and Cabrera and Alvarez married last October. Cabrera was reinstated by the PGA Tour last December, though until now he had been competing in events outside the U.S., including the KFT’s Argentina Open and PGA Tour Champions’ Trophee Hassan II.