Augusta National Finally Accepts Female Members

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Augusta National Reaction: Media Responds To Changes

The national reaction to the Augusta National Golf Club finally allowing female members has been mostly positive. People like PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem as well as noted golfers Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam all came out with praise for Augusta for finally permitting women to join.

Finchem released a statement complimenting Augusta chairman Billy Paine.

At a time when women represent one of the fastest growing segments in both playing and following the game of golf, this sends a positive and inclusive message for our sport.

Woods, who knows new member Condoleeza Rice via the Stanford University grapevine, released a statement to the Associated Press.

I think the decision by the Augusta National membership is important to golf. The [c]lub continues to demonstrate its commitment to impacting the game in positive ways. I would like to congratulate both new members, especially my friend Condi Rice.

Sorenstam released a statement on her website.

I was delighted to hear the news this morning that Augusta National has allowed two female members into their club. The women invited, Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore, are highly respected women and business leaders. They will be great representatives for women in the game.

However, not all of the reaction has been positive. There has been a lot of sarcasm from those on Twitter, including one in particular by Rick Reilly. Gord Miller of TSN had an equally sarcastic response to Augusta's decision, only with less political implications.

Augusta National announces addition of first female members, now considering ordering calendars where the year starts with a "2".

— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) August 20, 2012

Joe Kepner, sports anchor at Orlando's WFTV, also appeared to be unimpressed, considering what women have done prior to being admitted at Augusta.

Hard to believe women went into space, fought in battle, and ran entire countries before they were allowed membership at Augusta National.

— Joe Kepner (@JoeKepner) August 20, 2012

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• 10 months ago
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Augusta National Accepts Female Members: More Reaction

In case you haven't heard yet, the Augusta National Golf Club finally admitted its first two female members on Monday: former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and businesswoman Darla Moore.

It's a landmark day for Augusta, but not all of the reaction to Augusta National Golf Club has been glowingly positive.

Emily Kay, one of SB Nation's golf writers, has a piece regarding the reaction by the media to Augusta's decision. Kay herself believed that Anthony De Rosa put it best.

Kind of sad and incredible that Augusta allowing women to be members in 2012 is even something we need to be discussing.

— Anthony De Rosa (@AntDeRosa) August 20, 2012

As Kay pointed out, much of the reaction around Twitter has been sarcastic, including this quip from ESPN's Rick Reilly.

Augusta finally has African-American members and women members. Next up: a Democrat?

— Rick Reilly (@ReillyRick) August 20, 2012

Sarcasm aside, it is an historic day for Augusta -- and one that people should move forward with.

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Augusta National Female Members Reaction: Time To Move Forward

History was made on Monday, when the Augusta National Golf Club admitted its first two female members -- ever. Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore were admitted into the prestigious golf club - which hosts The Masters each year - on Monday morning by club Chairman Billy Payne.

As you'd expect, the reaction around the Internet has been nothing but joyous and positive towards Augusta's decision. Some, though, haven't been so quick to dispel Augusta's past.

SB Nation's Adam Fonseca, though, writes that we should indeed focus on the future, rather than the club's ugly history.

Augusta National did not have to change its membership requirements. They would have still made a profit every year at The Masters, and males and females alike would continue to buy tickets to visit the course.

That is exactly why today's announcement to welcome two female members is so impressive, and why you should applaud progress on one of the sport's most celebrated venues.

Augusta National is moving forward, and everyone else should, too.

Indeed, the past cannot be changed, and with today's news, we should all move forward -- not backward.

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