Ángel Cabrera ‘welcome’ at Masters despite domestic abuse prison term

• Argentinian currently prevented from entering US
• Augusta chairman surprises by supporting golfer

Fred Ridley, the chairman of Augusta National, has controversially insisted Angel 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 the winner of a 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 to 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."