The Augusta Golf Club — which made headlines in April during the 2012 Masters Tournament due to the club’s exclusionary policy — has officially opened its door to women. Two women, to be specific: former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and private investment executive Darla Moore.
RELATED: Jay Carney: Obama Believes Augusta Should Be Open To Women
Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne made the announcement Monday:
This is a joyous occasion as we enthusiastically welcome Secretary Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as members of Augusta National Golf Club. We are fortunate to consider many qualified candidates for membership at Augusta National. Consideration with regard to any candidate is deliberate, held in strict confidence and always takes place over an extended period of time. The process for Condoleezza and Darla was no different.
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.
This is a significant and positive time in our Club’s history and, on behalf of our membership, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome them and all of our new members into the Augusta National family.
Rice said that she is “delighted and honored” to be a club member, adding that “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.”
h/t USA Today
Have a tip we should know? tips@mediaite.com
