Augusta National Admits Two Female Members

Augusta National has finally ended its decades-old men-only membership policy, admitting two women to join the club: former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and South Carolina financial honcho Darla Moore. “This is a joyous occasion as we enthusiastically welcome Secretary Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as members of Augusta National Golf Club,” said chairman Billy Payne.

For years, women’s groups have been pushing Augusta National to open up to women. Earlier this year, Payne came under fire from the media at a press conference about the men-only rule. “Well, as has been the case, whenever that question is asked, all issues of membership are now and have historically subject to the private deliberations of the members,” said Payne then. “That statement remains accurate and remains my statement.”

The membership has apparently spoken. And Augusta has caved to politically correct pressure, even if the club will be better off with female members. There are groups all over the United States that only admit women; the notion of a private golf club that only admits men should not be seen as some sort of massively discriminatory idea, unless we also want to open up female-only places of business. As always, it’s the decision of those who attend Augusta – and if they want to open up the club to women, good for them. But the left’s hatred for Augusta is completely unjustified.