Augusta National And Women

[Anybodyhome]

The subject of membership at Augusta and the supposed issue of women in Augusta may be one of the most over-blown, uninformed non-stories ever. I belong to a private country club and my wife has been a COO/General Manager of several private clubs for over 20 years now.

Private clubs do not generally make their membership criteria public, and Augusta is no different. However, unlike other private clubs, at Augusta one does not apply to join the club. Augusta invites prospective members to join their club, and this is generally done with the full intention of that person knowing they will be invited and that they will accept the invite. They will also be expected to write a pretty hefty check- rumor has it that it would exceed $200k.

In most other clubs, a prospective member applies and has the sponsorship of a couple other members. That membership application is reviewed by the Board of Directors and either accepted or rejected, for whatever reason they want. As many country clubs as I've been a part of, I have never seen a club not allow women as members (I have seen them not allow women to play golf except certain days of the week- Biltmore Estate).

People pay for the right of exclusivity and privacy in these clubs, Augusta is no different. Their membership list is private and, except for a few supposed internet leaks of lists that are many years old, there are but a select few who know all of the members of Augusta. So, while the politicians and activists continue to rant and try to make this an issue, no one knows- there may already be a women member or two...or ten at Augusta.

And you know what? As long as it's a private club, they get to make their own rules- just like every other private club in this country. There are approximately 4400 private country clubs in this country (this does not include private city clubs, athletic clubs, social clubs) and there seems to be this uproar about Augusta. Every time I hear people start complaining, I simply laugh-

By the way, the CEO of IBM, Verginia Rometty, did attend the Masters tournament this weekend.

[Carolina Husker]

So...those of you who oppose....would love to know why.

Because it's their club.

[Murph]

So what is your "peace?" Please explain how women playing at Augusta national threaten peace?

Seriously, one of the main reasons guys form these clubs (and you should already know this)

[Jase]

I generally agree with a club being able to admit whoever they want.... however, if your club has risen to such a prominent public image, it's probably in fairly bad taste to continue to deny women.

[Inimicus]

But bad taste isnt against the law.

[g5jamz]

It's a private club.

/thread

[Jase]

But bad taste isnt against the law.

lucky for me.

penis

[ladypanther]

I generally agree with a club being able to admit whoever they want.... however, if your club has risen to such a prominent public image, it's probably in fairly bad taste to continue to deny women.

Well said.

[Carolina Husker]

I guess I'm of the opinion that a private all-men's golf club really isn't a big deal.

[Scrumtrilescent]

Pretty much.

And they can still play, as guests I think. If that still is allowed.

[g5jamz]

Augusta National Golf Club has about 300 members at any given time. Membership is strictly by invitation; there is no application process

You've got about 300 people to convince in addition to the board and its chairman. Have at it.

[Panthro]

It's a private club but in a very public spotlight. So I can see the issue both ways....not really concerned about them having their own rules even though I think it's dumb and out dated.

[CarolinaNCSU]

Some things in life are set aside to get away from the other gender. Golf is one of these.

[pOpCoRnPoPpEr]

I'm sure there's a hooters down the street somewhere.