Augusta National adds Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as first female members
After years of controversy over its all-male membership, Augusta National, the home of the Masters, has admitted two women.
In a press release from the club Monday morning, Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne named Condoleezza Rice, the former secretary of state, and Darla Moore, a South Carolina financier, as the first female members of the club.
"This is a joyous occasion as we enthusiastically welcome Secretary Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as members of Augusta National Golf Club," Payne said. "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.”
Stay tuned to Golf.com for more on this story as the day goes on.
(Photo: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
