22 March 2024 , 22:12
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Former Masters champion Angel Cabrera's hopes of playing at Augusta National next month are over after he was refused a visa to enter the United States.
The two-time major champion won the Green Jacket in 2009, giving him a lifetime exemption to play in The Masters. But after spending more than two years behind bars, including a stint in one of the world's most fearsome prisons, his wait to make the famous drive up Magnolia Lane goes on.
The 54-year-old was released from prison on parole in August after serving 30 months for charges including domestic violence against ex-wife Silva Rivadero and two other former partners. Cabrera had stints in three prisons, including a period in Carcel de Bouwer in Cordoba, dubbed the "prison from hell".
After his release, the 2007 US Open champion hoped to be back on the course in the United States this season, playing in The Masters as well as PGA Tour events. But his agent Manuel Tagle has confirmed Cabrera has been denied a visa to enter the country.
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"More information has been requested and will be provided to the embassy shortly. Final decision on the visa will take no less than 8 to 10 weeks. He will not be at The Masters," Tangle told Golfweek.
Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley says he hopes Cabrera will be able to play in The Masters again soon. "Angel certainly is one of our great champions," he said. "As we all know, he has been unable to participate in the Masters the last couple of years due to legal issues.
Cabrera spent time in Carcel de Bouwer, one of the most feared prisons in the world (Lavoz)"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."
Cabrera admitted in a recent interview with Golf Digest that he made "serious mistakes" in his personal life and he regretted his actions. He also said he was receiving treatment for alcohol abuse.
He added: "I refused to listen to anyone and did what I wanted, how I wanted and when I wanted. That was wrong. I ask for forgiveness. [My ex-partners] had the bad luck of being with me when I was at my worst. I wasn't the devil, but I did bad things.
"I am deeply embarrassed because I disappointed the people closest to me, and everyone who loves me through golf. Golf gave me everything, and I know I will never be able to repay the debt I owe this sport."