This week Augusta National Golf Club took a step that most of the world thought they should have taken about 40 years ago. By finally admitting women to the ranks of their exclusive all male membership, Augusta National has entered the modern era. While it is true that many golf clubs don’t allow women as members, Augusta National’s cache put it into the spotlight. As the home of The Masters PGA tournament, and the fact that Augusta has many of America’s top CEOs as members, the pressure has been mounting for them to make the change. When Virginia Rometty, the first woman CEO of IBM was not offered membership even though her four male IBM predecessors had been members, things began to get a little scratchy. But even with that, it was a surprise when finally the door was opened, assuring things will never be the same down in Augusta, Georgia.
 One of the most famous holes in golf, the 12th at Augusta |
 The Clubhouse at Augusta National |
Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and businesswoman Darla Moore are the first two women to be offered membership in the uber-secret, rich old boy club, and both women have happily accepted. Women have been allowed to play the course in the past as long as they were invited by a male club member, but this new action means that they will now have a voice in the club issues. To his credit, current chairman Billy Payne has long been a supporter of allowing women in and his position certainly had something to do with the decision.
Condi has reason to smile as Augusta National’s newest member
Augusta National was started by Bobby Jones 80 years ago in 1932 and is considered one of the top courses in the world. But perhaps in honor of old Southern charm and maybe a little bit of reluctance to move into the new world, Augusta has steadfastly maintained traditions that are reminiscent of the 1950’s. Forward movement has been difficult for the Club, likely indicative of the membership mix. It wasn’t until 1983 that players were allowed to bring their own caddies. Before that, the Club supplied all caddies, and they were all black and were required to dress in white jumpsuits, a hat and white shoes, head to toe. Today Augusta maintains a smaller caddie staff and they still wear white, but players are now allowed to bring their own caddies from the outside. And in a welcome tip to the ‘50’s, still today the concessions offer the cheapest snacks anywhere, with moon pies two for a dollar and sandwiches maxing out at $2.50 apiece with the Augusta favorite pimento (they say pimenna) cheese sandwich a mere $1.50 each.
 Tiger Woods and Fred Couples with their caddies in white |
 As Southerners say, a “pimenna cheese on light bread” sandwich |
But in the big scheme of things, the old traditions are just that, and they really aren’t the story. They are a private club and they can require a dress code and offer cheap sandwiches if they want to. What does matter is that history has been made and Augusta National is to be applauded for this big step. It is a great day for equality and women’s golf. Now the bets are going to be on when the Royal & Ancient at St. Andrews takes the plunge.
