The home of the Masters tournament, one of the PGA’s four majors has now removed one of the barriers they’ve held for years.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina financier Darla Moore were invited to be members of the famed golf course making them the first women members since the club opened in 1932.
Billy Payne Augusta National Chairman had this to say in a statement;
“These accomplished women share our passion for the game of golf and both are well known and respected by our membership, it will be a proud moment when we present Condoleezza and Darla their green jackets when the club opens this fall. This is a significant and positive time in our club’s history and, on behalf of our membership, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome them and all of our new members into the Augusta National family.”
The naming of their first female members comes on the heals of it being 10 years ago when Martha Burk challenged the clubs’ exclusive membership. When contacted by the Associated Press she was quoted as blurting out;
“Oh my god. We won.”
Moore when asked on her historical membership expounded on how Augusta National is one of the most beautiful places in the world and that this was an important occasion in her life.
“Augusta National has always captured my imagination, and is one of the most magically beautiful places anywhere in the world, as everyone gets to see during the Masters each April. I am fortunate to have many friends who are members at Augusta National, so to be asked to join them as a member represents a very happy and important occasion in my life. Above all, Augusta National and the Masters Tournaments have always stood for excellence, and that is what is so important to me.”
“I have visited Augusta National on several occasions and look forward to playing golf, renewing friendships and forming new ones through this very special opportunity. I have long admired the important role Augusta National has played in the traditions and history of golf. I also have an immense respect for the Masters Tournament and its commitment to grow the game of golf, particularly with youth, here in the United States and throughout the world.”
While it may have taken 80 years, there is something to said about the progress that is being made by the members at Augusta National. What will show that this is not just for publicity, is if they end up inviting more members. Considering the prominence of these two ladies it’s not beyond realm to believe they just did this to pacify the people who clam they still have the bigotry thinking that divides people.
Nonetheless, congrats to these ladies, may they have plenty birdies on the course.
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