What notable ex-politician became the first female member of USA's Augusta golf club in 2012?
Augusta National Golf Club National admitted its first two female members, Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore. Notable current members include: Recently deceased members include: In 1966, the governing board of Augusta National passed a resolution honoring founder Bobby Jones with the position of President in Perpetuity. Augusta National and its Chairman Hootie Johnson are widely known for a disagreement beginning in 2002 with Martha Burk, then chair of the Washington-based National Council of Women's Organizations; the dispute arose over Augusta National's refusal to admit female members to the club. Burk said she found out about the club's policies in a "USA Today" column by
Augusta National Golf Club following a controversy at Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club. Shoal Creek, an all-white golf club in Alabama, refused membership to African Americans. The club also faced demands that the PGA Championship not be held there because of racist comments by the club's founder. In his 2012 pre-Masters press conference, Chairman Billy Payne declined to discuss the club's then-continued refusal to admit women. He defended the club's position by noting that in 2011, more than 15% of the non-tournament rounds were played by female players who were member guests or spouses of active members. However, on August 20, 2012, Augusta