“This is a joyous occasion as we enthusiastically welcome Secretary Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as members of Augusta National Golf Club…These accomplished women share our passion for the game of golf and both are well known and respected by our membership. It will be a proud moment when we present Condoleezza and Darla their Green Jackets when the Club opens this fall.

Augusta National Golf Club’s statement to the media on behalf of Billy Payne has hit the headlines and given that it involves women I thought I’d check up on Stephanie Wei’s “weaker sex” thoughts on the matter

Stephanie’s headline, “It’s about (insert word of choice) time: Congrats, Augusta…?” suggests there’s questions to be asked.

“Congrats to ANGC for entering the 20th century! Okay, fine, the 21st! — the 1960s. Better late than never, right? Um, sure. Well, golf claps on taking a step in the right direction…Doing the right thing was long overdue, and I’m glad the club finally took the first step with this symbolic gesture. But there is still a long way to go in terms of breaking down golf’s exclusionary and elitist reputation. Hopefully this will have a meaningful impact on the game, but I still think it’s going to take years.”

The ANGC’s long overdue decision has generated some interesting (thoughtful) comments.
Mark at Stephanie’s blog writes, “Do they have ladies tees there?”

Over at Geoff Shackelford’s blog, Bif has the answer to the big question at the back of my mind when I heard the news. “Actually, I think she [Condi] should be pleased. Augusta did not want to be seeing being "forced" to admit a woman because IBM named her CEO. That would mean IBM were making the decision. Now the club makes the decision, and can easily add her as another female member.”

And Golfin Dolphin sees the funny side; I’m assuming it’s said in jest and not true. “Condi was admitted after threatening club members with "enhanced interrogation techniques".

Regardless of the why and wherefore of the decision. Well done ANGC. It’s your call now for the R&A.

And well done Sergio. Was really hoping to see you at the Ryder Cup and not riding a cart as one of the support team like last time round.

Here’s the link to Stephanie Wei and to Geoff
Quote of the Day
“Holy Hootie! Our Long National Nightmare Is Over: Augusta Admits Its First Two Women-Americans!” – Geoff Shackelford

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