Augusta National Golf Club admits two women to its membership

The exclusive and secretive Augusta National Golf Club admitted two women, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and a South Carolina private investment firm, Rainwater executive Darla Moore, to its membership for the first time. According to the current chairman of the club both are avid supporters of the game and well known and respected by the membership. Five months ago when the club held its Masters Golf Tournament, it did not offered the membership to the CEO of games host, IBM as was the case for previous games. The current CEO of IBM is a woman. The two new women members will receive their iconic green jacket in an upcoming ceremony.

The Augusta National Golf Club is located in Augusta, Georgia. It was founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, and designed by Alister MacKenzie opened for play in January 1933. It has been hosting Masters Tournament, one of the four major championships since 1934.

The club did not admit black members until 1990. It had a policy of caddies to be black and no women members were allowed until now. It defended its policies based on the argument that it is a private club.