Augusta National Golf Club is one of the world’s most famous and exclusive golf courses, home to the prestigious Masters Tournament. However, the club has been criticized for its exclusionary policy regarding female membership for many years. In 2012, the club announced the admission of its first women members, representing an essential step towards inclusion in golf.
The admission of the first women members to Augusta National Golf Club came in 2012 when the club announced that former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and businesswoman Darla Moore had joined its membership. The news was enthusiastically received by many. Since then, many other women have been admitted as club members. Annika Sorenstam, Virginia Rometty, Debora Diniz, Ana Patricia Botín, and Kelly Grier, among others, are a select group of influential men and women in society, including business people, politicians, athletes, and celebrities.
Who are the female Augusta National members?
Condoleezza Rice: She was the first black woman to be United States Secretary of State. Rice has been a golf enthusiast for years (she has an index of 10) and has played in several celebrity golf tournaments. In addition, she has been a professor of political science at several prestigious universities.
Annika Sorenstam: A former Swedish professional golfer who has won numerous major titles, including 10 Grand Slam and 72 LPGA Tour tournaments. Sorenstam has been one of the most extraordinary women’s golfers of all time and is recognized as one of the outstanding members of Augusta National Golf Club.
Darla Moore: She is an American businesswoman and philanthropist known for her private investment work and her support of education and culture. With an index of over 30, Moore has been a passionate golfer for many years and plays whenever she has free time.
Virginia “Ginni” Rometty: She is an American businesswoman who served as the CEO of IBM from 2012 to 2020. Rometty is an avid golfer with an index of 30, playing golf whenever possible.
Debora Diniz: is a Brazilian anthropologist and activist known for her work in reproductive rights and women’s health. Diniz has been a golf fan for many years and works hard to promote the sport in her home country.
Kelly Grier: She is an American executive who currently serves as CEO of the business consulting firm EY Americas.
In conclusion, the admission of female members to Augusta National Golf Club represents an important step towards inclusion in golf. The female Augusta National members have shown that women have a place in sports and can be leaders in oversight roles. This inclusion will inspire other golf courses to follow suit and open their doors to greater female representation in the future.
