Augusta National Admits First Two Female Members
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Jamie Squire/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina financier Darla Moore will become the first females to wear a green jacket in October.
Augusta National chairman Billy Payne announced Monday that Rice and Moore will be the first women to be accepted into the club in it’s 80-year history.
“This is a joyous occasion,” Augusta National chairman Billy Payne said Monday.
“I have visited Augusta National on several occasions and look forward to playing golf, renewing friendships and forming new ones through this very special opportunity,” Rice said on Monday of the honor. “I have long admired the important role Augusta National has played in the traditions and history of golf. I also have an immense respect for the Masters Tournament and its commitment to grow the game of golf, particularly with youth, here in the United States and throughout the world.”
Moore is also very happy about the news.
“Augusta National has always captured my imagination and is one of the most magically beautiful places anywhere in the world, as everyone gets to see during the Masters each April,” Moore said. “I am fortunate to have many friends who are members at Augusta National, so to be asked to join them as a member represents a very happy and important occasion in my life.”
Martha Burk of the National Council of Women’s Organizations had been pushing for the club to allow women since 2002.
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