Former Masters Champion Angel Cabrera, Out on Parole, Can Play Augusta — If He Can Get There

Augusta National Golf Club said that former Masters champion Angel Cabrera is eligible to play in this year’s first major, as long as he can get a visa into the United States.

Masters updated its field list. The 79 so far does not include past champion Angel Cabrera who is having visa issues. He was released from prison last year after serving time for gender abuse https://t.co/y6WsDzfb1d via @SInow

— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) January 17, 2024

Cabrera, the winner of the green jacket in 2009, was released in August on parole in his native Argentina from a 2.5-year stint in prison for domestic violence following threats and harassment of his current partner and a former one. 

The 54-year-old was notified last month by the PGA Tour that his suspension has been lifted, but he would have to comply with the terms of his parole in order to play in any main tour or Champions Tour events. 

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said Cabrera will have a spot in the 2024 tournament if he can get to Georgia:

“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 took responsibility for his actions in an interview that was published by Golf Digest when his suspension was lifted:

“They 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.”

2009 Masters Tournament Final Round Broadcast

Watch the complete final round and playoff broadcast of the 2009 Masters. Angel Cabrera defeats Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry on a playoff to become the first Masters champion from South America.

Cabrera had a flair for the majors. He also won the 2007 U.S. Open, lost in a playoff at the 2013 Masters, and was in the final grouping at the 2011 Masters before finishing seventh. His other PGA Tour win came at the Greenbrier Classic in 2014.

Cover Image via Fox News