Cabrera Planning Return After Prison Stint

Angel Cabrera is reportedly planning a return to competitive golf after being released from prison in August. The 54-year-old spent two and a half years in prison in Brazil and Argentina for domestic assault and other charges relating to former partners but he was then released on parole.

And he's been back on the course and shooting some decent numbers, according to his coach Charlie Epps, and the plan now is to resume his playing career on the PGA Tour Champions where he last played in 2020.

“He wants to play, he’s learned his lesson, he wants to get on with his life. I think he’s in a great frame of mind for what he’s been through,” Epps told Golfweek. “He’s got to go through the mechanics of getting his visa back and then approach the PGA Tour and I think it’s going to end up being good.”

Cabrera remains eligible to play in The Masters, having won the 2009 edition, though whether the authorities at Augusta allow him to tee it up there remains to be seen. A statement from the PGA Tour to Golfweek gave little away as Cabrera seeks to return to his former life.

“The Tour is aware that Angel Cabrera has been released on parole. While we do not have any update on his status as a PGA Tour member at this time, the Tour may consider new and relevant information to determine if any change to his status is appropriate in the future.”

Epps, who began working with Cabrera three months before his US Open win in 2007, was impressed by the two-time Major winner's ability to regather his form after such an enforced break.

“He demonstrated his talent and drive is still there,” Epps added. “We played five rounds of golf at Cordoba GC, where we both grew up playing, and he was always under par. Right now, he’s just trying to get his life in shape and practice and stuff like that and get here to the United States.

"He’s been humbled. He knows what he needs to do and he said he’s ready for a second chance. He prays to God he doesn’t take another drink. And he’s so headstrong. When he puts his mind to doing something, he’ll do it just like that."

And Epps is hopeful that Cabrera won't just return to action but that he can win a senior Major.

“The way Angel plays on hard courses, I think he can still win the US Senior Open. I want him to be the comeback player of the year.”

For the record the 2024 US Senior Open will be played at Newport Country Club, home to Tiger Woods' second US Amateur success.