- Argentinian currently prevented from entering US
- Augusta chairman surprises by supporting golfer
Fred Ridley, the chairman of Augusta National, has controversially insisted Ángel Cabrera is “welcome” at the Masters despite the 2009 champion recently completing a 30-month prison sentence for domestic abuse against two of his former girlfriends. Cabrera is eligible to attend the champions dinner and play in the tournament as a former holder of the Green Jacket but his conviction had triggered speculation about whether he would be banned from attending the major by the club itself.
The lack of an in-date visa currently prohibits Cabrera, an Argentinian, from entering the United States. However, the 54-year-old is working to resolve that with a view to appearing in Georgia in April. “It is my dream to return that prestigious place,” Cabrera said in an interview with Golf Digest. “I played at Augusta for almost 20 years in a row. It is like a second home to me. It would be a great privilege to return and attend the champions dinner with so many of the world’s greatest players.”
