Augusta National Golf Club Adds First Women Members; Condoleezza Rice Joins

Condoleezza Rice

12:06 pm, August 20th, 2012

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Augusta National Golf Club announced on Monday that it is admitting women members for the first time in its 80-year history.

The venue invited former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and financier Darla Moore to become its first female members, and both accepted.

“This is a joyous occasion,” said Billy Payne, the Augusta National and Masters Tournament chairman, who said the group applied the same candidate evaluation process to Rice and Moore that they do for prospective male members.

He added, “It will be a proud moment when we present Condoleezza and Darla their Green Jackets when the Club opens this fall.”

The club had come under criticism in recent years — and particularly in recent months — for having what many viewed as an antiquated gender policy regarding who could join.

In a statement, Rice said she looks “forward to playing golf, renewing friendships and forming new ones through this very special opportunity.”

What do you think of Augusta’s rule change?

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