“This is a joyous occasion as we enthusiastically welcome Secretary Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as members of Augusta National Golf Club. We are fortunate to consider many qualified candidates for membership at Augusta National. Consideration with regard to any candidate is deliberate, held in strict confidence and always takes place over an extended period of time. The process for Condoleezza and Darla was no different.”
– Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, in a statement announcing the club will end its 80-year male-only policy.
Just a decade ago, Payne’s predecessor, William Johnson, said the club would only admit women at “the point of bayonet.” Preparations are now underway to install push-button phones and color TV monitors in the club house.
Chief Writing Wolf 