Report: Decision made over Angel Cabrera's 2024 Masters appearance
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 stated Augusta National would've welcomed back Cabrera with open arms.
He said of Cabrera: "Angel certainly is one of our great champions.
"As we all know, he has been unable to participate in the Masters the last couple of years due to legal issues.
"Presently we have been in constant contact with Angel's representatives.
"He presently is not able to enter the United States. He doesn't have a visa, and I know that that process is being worked through.
"We certainly wish him the best of luck with that, and we'll definitely welcome him back if he's able to straighten out those legal issues."
News of Cabrera missing out on the 2024 Masters follows Tiger Woods officially listed as a competitor.
The 2024 Masters will take place over April 11-14. Jon Rahm is the defending champion.
Read the Golfweek report here.
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