Augusta, Ga. — Angel Cabrera said she understands whether anyone doesn’t think they should play for Master this week after being jailed for attacking and threatening two of her ex-girlfriends.
However, Cabrera, the 2009 Masters champion, said he deserves to be on the field as a former winner of the Green Jacket, who is exempt from the tournament for a lifetime.
“I won the Masters, why?” Cabrera said through an interpreter on Tuesday after playing a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club.
Cabrera asked what he would say to people he didn’t think should perform in Master, “I respect their opinions, and everyone has their own opinions.”
The 55-year-old Cabrera hasn’t played for Master since missing out on a cut in 2019. He wanted to play in the tournament last year, but due to visa issues, he couldn’t travel to the US.
Cabrera, originally from Argentina, was sentenced in July 2021 for threats and harassment from her partner Cecilia Torres Mana between 2016 and 2018. In November 2022, he also brought him to trial for threats and harassment against another of his ex-girlfriend, Michaela Escadero. After Cabrera pleaded guilty, the court gave him two sentences at the same time, giving him in a three-year, 10-month prison.
He was released on parole in August 2023 and allowed him to return to PGA Tour champion later that year.
“My life had a four or five year setting. They weren’t the right thing I should have,” Cabrera said. “Before that, I was fine, so I have to keep doing what I know I can do right.”
In a lengthy interview with Golf Digest, months after his release on parole, Cabrera said she was embarrassed by his actions and asked her former partner for forgiveness.
“I am embarrassed to repent,” Cabrera said. “I made a serious mistake. I listened to anyone and refused what I wanted, when I wanted, when I wanted, when I wanted. It was wrong. I ask Micaela for forgiveness. I asked Cecilia for forgiveness.
Cabrera told Golf Digest that he was treated for alcoholism, including taking daily pills to make him sick once he takes him. He said he intends to stay calm for the rest of his life.
On Tuesday, Cabrera said life gave him a second chance.
“I’m starting to use it and want to do the right thing on this second opportunity,” he said.
On Sunday, Cabrera won the James Hardy Pro Football Hole Invitational on the old course at Brokes Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida, earning his first victory at the PGA Tour Champions Circuit.
Cabrera was scheduled to attend the annual Champions Dinner at Augusta National Golf Club on Tuesday night.
Adam Scott, who defeated Cabrera in the playoffs to win the 2013 Masters, said he’s looking forward to seeing him.
“I can’t wait to see him,” Scott told the Associated Press on Sunday. “That’s a happy thing for me. We have a fairly long history. I first met him on the European tour before we both joined the PGA Tour. We played the Presidential Cup, we were partners.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.