Disgraced Masters champion Angel Cabrera will not tee it up at Augusta National next month after his application for a visa was temporarily declined.
Disgraced Masters champion Angel Cabrera will not tee it up at Augusta National next month after his application for a U.S. visa was temporarily declined.
The news was first reported by Golfweek.
According to the publication, Cabrera’s long-time agent Manuel Tagle confirmed the final decision on his visa will be made in ‘no less than 8 to 10 weeks’.
The length of time over the decision will mean it is far too late for Cabrera to tee it up at the 2024 Masters over 11-14 April.
Cabrera, the 2009 winner of the green jacket, has not played in the Masters since 2019.
He is now 54 years old and is attempting to rebuild his life after serving a two-year prison sentence for domestic violence offences.
Cabrera is now re-married and has a young daughter.
He told Golf Digest after his release that memories of his Masters triumph helped him pull through.
He served his prison sentence in a jail nicknamed ‘El Penal del Infierno’ or ‘The Prison from Hell’.
The golfer, nicknamed El Pato (The Duck) because of the way he walks, competed in his first PGA Tour Champions event since his release last month.
Cabrera posted a T-27 finish at the Trophy Hassan II and, naturally, his attention turned towards getting back to Augusta National.
“It’s my dream to return to that prestigious place and walk the course that gave me so much joy and satisfaction,” Cabrera told Golf Digest.
“It would be a great privilege to return and to attend the Champions Dinner with so many of the golf world’s greatest players.”
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley was asked about the potential inclusion of Cabrera before the Latin America Amateur Championship.
Ridley mentioned that Augusta National would have been happy to welcome Cabrera back.
He described Cabrera as one of their top champions.
“He has not been able to compete in the Masters tournament for the past few years because of legal troubles.”
Currently, we have been in continuous communication with the representatives of Angel.
At the moment, he is unable to travel to the United States as he does not have a visa. I am aware that the visa application process is currently underway.
We hope for his success and would be happy to have him return once he resolves his legal matters. In 2024, Cabrera will not be participating in the Masters tournament, while Tiger Woods has been confirmed as a competitor.
The Masters tournament in 2024 is scheduled for April 11-14. Jon Rahm holds the title from the previous year as the defending champion.