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Augusta National bow to pressure from the NCWO and admit a woman member? The Issue Augusta National, the private club that hosts the Masters Tournament, has been brought to task by Martha Burk, head of the National Council of Women's Organizations, for its failure to admit a woman member. The club has taken the official position that, while they may choose to admit a woman as a member in the future, they will not be pressured to do so. Last week, Augusta National chairman Hootie Johnson announced that the tournament will conduct its telecast without sponsors to avoid putting pressure on its regular sponsors. Are Augusta and its members to be commended for their stance and desire to decide their own membership or are they, in Burk's words, paying a lot of money to continue to discriminate? Your Responses I am a career woman, who plays golf and belongs to a private club. Augusta should be able to do what they want, invite the members they choose and set their own policies. They are a private club and our not funded by my tax dollars so I do not have the right to dictate their actions. J. Wilson Until all women's organizations (private clubs, private elementary and second schools, colleges & universities) in America have modified their bylaws to allow men to join their ranks, this nefarious effort by the Council of Women's Organizations will have no credibility with me or any other clear-thinking individual. One of the founding principles of our country is the right of private association, and there are hundreds of private women's organizations currently doing just that in America today. Get a life, Martha Burk, and while you're at it, read The Constitution. R. Garland In my humble opinion Hootie and the board of Augusta National deserve a great big "WELL DONE". Whatever happened to privacy in the land of the free. It is way past time for private organizations and private property owners to take a stand to protect their own property. It is way too easy for outsiders to force their will and way on others. It is enough that our government forces it way on the private citizens of this land and we surely do not need private organizations to do likewise. If the women and others want to be members of private clubs like the Augusta National let them put up their own money and build one for themselves and get off the back of clubs that they have no interest or money in. Again to Hootie and all I say "Keep it Up" as you do have the right to run the club as you desire since it does belong to you and your members. H. Tracy The Augusta National Golf Club has always been extremely gracious to its patrons and television viewing public during its annual Masters Tournament, the most prestigious and acclaimed golf tournament in the world. The Augusta National Golf Club is a PRIVATE club, as are many clubs throughout the U.S. and world. What is so difficult about understanding and respecting that single issue? If these women are truly interested in promoting golf for women, why don't they establish their own version of Augusta National Golf Club? The LPGA worldwide should certainly embrace such an effort. It seems their mission is to just "get in" Augusta National. I haven't heard anything about these women doing anything for golf. What do they intend to do if they become members? Why would any employer employ an employee or group of employees who did not have the employer's or company's best interest at heart? I am not aware that there are any female priests within the Roman Catholic church. Does that mean this women's group should demand that there be? I am not aware of any male members of local Womens' Clubs. Does that mean that a men's group should demand that there be? Do these women believe that members of the PGA Tour should be allowed to play competitively on the LPGA Tour or vice versa? I love golf, but I will never become a member of the Augusta National Golf Club. Is this wrong? Why, hell no! I just accept that's just the way it is. Do you hear me complaining? No! I respect that Augusta National Golf Club is a PRIVATE entity and admire what it has done to promote golf, commerce and character around the world. There are just some things that are better off left as they are and the Augusta National Golf Club is one of them. R. Swygert With regard to the furor over women joining the Augusta National club, we have a saying in Texas that seems appropriate. "You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose." It seems that the National Council of Women's Organizations is trying to do just that, pick Hootie Johnson's nose. "STOP IT!" R.
Swanson Please tell Martha Burk to spend her time more productively and establish a Womenıs Only Club similar to Augusta where the women can play without men around. Leave Augusta alone to the men. They like it that way. Stop forcing your views on others who disagree with you. In simpler words, ³Get lost Martha!². J. McGuinness If it were not for the NCWO I'll bet that woman would not have applied in the first place. If a man attempts to get into a private womans organization he can forget it, and I don't know why he would want to anyway. Let Augusta National alone. J. Stoddard I think this discrimination thing is really going over board. Not only in golf but everywhere. If these so called discriminated against people would get off their lazy butts and apply themselves to get ahead instead of wanting everything handed to them this country would be a lot better and minorities would be a lot better off. If you ask me I think it is getting where if your a white American male your being discriminated against more and more because of the free loaders of society. I think the majority of minorities would rather work and build themselves up on their own. Doing things for yourself gives you self respect and satisfaction of self accomplishment. W. Koontz I have never been a huge fan of the Augusta National membership, not because it was discriminatory, rather because it was blatantly elitist. This is a characteristic of any exclusive club and I guess it goes with the turf. I'm in agreement with Hootie Johnson and the Augusta members because it's their prerogative to conduct their business any way they see fit, as long as it is legal and causes no one harm. One positive note is that by not allowing women in Augusta they would avoid the possibility of a Martha Burk type becoming a member. She strikes me as a particularly obnoxious sort, a person one might make extra effort to avoid. Can you picture three guys on the first tee at Augusta and Burk walks up with "got room for a fourth?" T. Smith A "private" club is just that! The members join to associate with people that they wish. If they elect not to associate with women, so be it. Can you see men members in the Eastern Star or Wesley Circle? How about boys joining the Girl Scouts? Why are some feminists so "hell bent" on the joining of the sexes? That is why GOD made two sexes - to be different. D. Barnes It is high time someone stood up to this outrageous blackmail. We have been condescending too long to all of these minority groups, who want to change America. The NOW gang do not represent women in America by any stench of the imagination. They represent there morrow view of how they want everyone to live but not them. Who in the world are they to say Augusta National discriminate? How many men belong to the NOW Gang. They do not allow men to join their organizations. Besides what type of man wants to be part of that group of out of touch women who desire to be men. They all regret the fact they were born female and try everything to change it which include all that we call America and freedom of choice (Liberty) if you know what I mean!!!!!! M. Draves I commend Augusta in opposing the position taken by the NCWO. Their leadership and membership do not, as that of other private clubs, oppose woman as members but do resent the direct attack by an organization such as NCWO to be pressured into admitting a woman as a member. Time will come and let it come naturally where a woman will be admitted to Augusta as a welcomed member not a statistic. Augusta does not accept 99.9%+ of those of us who would love to be a member of Augusta or even get a chance to play a round at Augusta. Let the maters continue without the black mark or negative publicity being forced on them by NCWO. W. Dygus I for one think, to not allow women to join and enjoy any sporting facility, is in fact nonsense in this day and time. C. Minton My wife and I agree that membership at Augusta National is the business of the members. And they should ignore any group, men or women, that tries to pressure the membership. We'll gladly buy tickets and attend, but that isn't going to happen as the Masters won't be affected. We should be so lucky. Too much political correctness in the world now. Go Masters, and follow your tradition in staging the greatest "toonament" in the United States, and maybe the world. J. Robertson Frankly I don't understand why there cannot be single gender clubs of any kind. Why shouldn't women be allowed to have an ladies only club or organization, or men, a men's only club. Why? I believe Augusta should decide when and if they will allow ladies to join, understanding that there is a cost of doing so. If at some time in the future they should decide the time is right, fair enough, but they should not be hounded to do so by anyone! G. Robillard I think they are to be commended. Augusta has had female members in the past and may decide to again in the future. They do own the club, it is private, and "public" guidelines have no business being there. They just happen to have created a product (the Masters) that is world-class and run for the benefit of golf. Who they have as members is their decision. They pay the bills. You could argue that the same reasoning could be applied to keep blacks out and it was in times past. But the face of golf has changed over the years to many different ethnic backgrounds and Augusta adjusted. Since the Masters caters to the PGA (not LPGA) and it does not provide a "professional" tournament for females, the logic doesn't hold that there should be female members. There probably will be female members in the future but the timing should be to the owners of the club and not to outsiders G. Snare One of the reasons the world is in the state it is today is because there is always someone who wants to control others. Are there men requesting to join the LPGA tournaments? Are there not more worthwhile causes for this lady to pursue which would benefit women in general? D. Steeves Ms. Burk needs to know when a lady should shut-up and let well enough alone. As a Southern Lady, I grew up on a farm in South Georgia; graduated from college at Valdosta State University; taught school; married; birthed two sons; divorced; became an auctioneer and real estate agent; reared my sons to respect the property and rights of others as good citizens; and I am now owner/president of one of the nation's leading golf course brokerage firms. I was once a member of Ms. Burk's organization until I found out they supported abortions for any reason as well as thought that everyone should be supported by the government whether they were capable of working or not and that we should as Americans support any organization that was liberal and that we should give special rights to those who were gay. I am no longer a supporter and will never be again and that is my choice. We all have choices to make. Gender preference is one of those choices. I think that Hootie Johnson and his Augusta National policies should remain in tact. Some things should not be disturbed and some policies were in place long before Ms. Burk and her organization came into being. Thank you Mr. Johnson for taking a stand! Some things you just should not be changed especially at the expense of breaking The Masters Tradition. The Bill of Rights takes care of everything that Burk would have a law passed to do so! The Ten Commandments takes care of the rest. H. Allen I think Augusta National Golf Club has the right to do what they are doing. D. Weeks I'm totally in support of Augusta National and their position. Ms Burk should use her organization to address more important issues like equal pay for equal work. If she had shown some knowledge of what has been happening at Augusta National, she would have realized that a woman being invited to become a member was going to happen sooner than later. Hootie Johnson has been the most progressive leader Augusta National has ever had and his track record in the business world has been outstanding. Ms Burk is putting the cart in front of the mule. She should deal with things she does understand, whatever that may be. M. Halicke Private clubs are by definition PRIVATE clubs. They are governed by their constitutions and bylaws and not by the whims of fashion and rules of political correctness. Ms Burk's attempts to force Augusta National to conform to her agenda for her organizations purposes through media hype and "ain't it awful" tactics via The Masters is extortion, pure and simple. J. Myrick Yes, Augusta should be commended for its stance regarding female members and the ridiculous demands of women's organizations. It is a private club. There is no basis for the women's demands except their insatiable desire to be included in any successful organization built by men. They do not invite men to be part of their organizations nor do they want to be included in any less successful endeavors. Women demand to be admitted to men's locker rooms, but I do not recall their inviting men into their locker rooms. B. Halsted It is their club and they should be able to exclude women, blacks, Eskimos, whoever. And because of that discrimination, the Masters should be moved elsewhere. Golf does not need Augusta and its attitude. M. Soucie As a women golfer, I applaud the courageous stand on maintaining the integrity of the Masters tournament and Augusta National. G. Silver I agree 100% with Augusta National's decision. N.
Silver Hootie Johnson is to be congratulated on his stance! Private means PRIVATE! They have every right to decide who are members of their own club. J. Arenburg I never expected to turn on my 60's liberalism. I have had quite enough of self appointed, self serving wacko liberals. I have had more than enough of political correctness and have made it clear that I have a right to my opinion and will tell it like it is, not the way someone wants to hear it. In a way Hootie is making the same stand. I may never be invited to play at Augusta but I strongly support their right to enforce their own policies. Giver 'er hell Hootie, but don't get carried away. D.A.
Mihelic I think it is awful what this group is trying to do to Augusta National and The Masters Golf Tournament. I hope that the sponsors will still back the tournament and show these women what jerks they are. Let tradition be. J. Hills I think that we have the right to associate with whom we want. We are allowed to discriminate by the constitution. As long as this right of association is not used for purposes that are in the public domain. If Augusta National is for the enjoyment of the members and their guests only and not to conduct business for a public company then they should have the right to discriminate. R. Hansen I applaud Hootie and the entire Augusta board and membership for not bowing to unneeded and unwarranted pressure by a group of malcontents. Augusta should be allowed to choose their members, without threats of intimidation or boycotts. If a men's group did this to a woman's organization, the cries would be deafening. Stand tall Hootie and tell them where to "gently" place their threats. J. Kahn In the true spirit of being a "Private Club", I feel that the members and Hootie Johnson are acting in the best interest of all "Private Clubs". They are not discriminating against anyone, and, I am sure, in due time, will invite a woman to join. This is the decision of the members, and any outside pressure from any organization should be ignored by anyone involved with Augusta National, the Masters, and their future sponsors. I applaud the pro-active stance Hootie and the members have taken. This is truly a class organization. P. Meyer What a bunch of political posturing! We have much greater things to concern ourselves with in this country. I support Hootie Johnson and the members of Augusta for not cowering under to this publicity stunt. I see nothing wrong with a men's club; I also don't think girls should be allowed to play little league baseball or join the boy scouts....in addition boys don't belong in the girl scouts or on their field hockey teams. I thought it was ridiculous that Tiger Woods got dragged into the debate, he does not run the Masters he is a participant and I wouldn't think that anyone competing in any competition at that level should first review and agree with all political decisions. At some point Augusta might decide to have female members at that time it would be their decision to seek some one that fits their club. Not all clubs are for all people. I hope that CBS stands up to this, I sure would hate to miss next year's Masters....I also like the idea of fewer commercials and was saddened to see Citigroup, IBM and Coca Cola fold. L. Eineker Very briefly, the right to congregate within what one deems as His group should sustain it's self. It's not about right or wrong, it's about choice. Mark Twain didn't want to be a member of a group that would have him anyway. B. Patrick Private clubs should be able to make their own rules; that's why they are private and not public! Good for Augusta for sticking to their principles. C.
Corrigan You have to respect Augusta and its members on the stance they have took!! It is unfair to put that type of pressure upon sponsors that have nothing to with the policies of the Club. B.
Phillips Come on, get into the 21st Century... You old Folks need to understand it is in yours and this County's best interest to be true Americans, I would think with September the 11th coming up you would want to do your part and put your past behind you and unite with the rest of America. S. Jones If this is the most important issue facing NCWO then they have lost sight of their objectives. Organizing a boycott against CBS and their advertisers is ridiculous and to threaten the members companies, if not illegal, should be. Members of NCWO, their husbands and the companies they both work for, should return their tickets to the Masters. Now there is a positive action. Can you imagine the reaction? This issue would die on the vine. Furthermore, golfers and others who are not in sympathy with Burk and her position might want to consider withholding contributions to these individual groups until they get their act together and go about the business for which they were formed. J.
Pudvin I think Burk is out of her mind. This is the most ridiculous issue I have heard about in a long time. First of all, who cares how Augusta National conducts there business. She and all of the NOW organization are embarrassing women everywhere. This isn't a fight for women's rights it is a battle of egos. There are too many meaningful women's rights issues to tackle for them to spend time and money with an issue that will have no effect on the lives of 99.99% of women anywhere. How will this help women of poverty, who are jobless, who have low esteem and other tremendously more important issues in their lives. G. Spears Bless the board of Augusta!!! Private golf clubs should have the absolute right to establish their privileges of membership and guidelines thereto. Our country is now trembling under the guise of political polka. C.
Mitchell Golf can and should admit to a terrible track record when it comes to equal opportunity for women and minorities. Some of this lost ground has been made up in recent years, especially with regard to women, through support of functional programs that have slowly and unglamorously made progress, year-in and year-out, toward welcoming more women to the game. Women are now a self-sustaining, growing, and essential segment of the industry. This result is thanks to the individual efforts of countless people seeking to better the game. Will pressuring a private club to admit women help golf make up more of this ground? It seems unlikely. Martha Burk should focus the considerable resources of her organization on something that will. There are many programs in existence, in development, or in the first concept phase that are more deserving of attention, and more capable of contributing. Again, real progress gets made in the trenches, not in the media. But if your goal is to bring attention to your organization, or yourself, then the media is certainly your best bet.
D. Welz If Augusta National was built with public funds then by all means women should be included. But it's not. What individuals do with their own money is no one else's business. I've never been invited over this woman's house, and if I showed up at her door I would be rightfully turned away. This is just adding to the legend of whining women! Build your own course and keep men away! B. Malone Right on, Hootie. It's a private club and the Lesbians should bow out.
C. Eskridge Somewhere there has to be protection for the rights of individual and also private institution. The freedom that we have does not mean that if you have a pressure group that you can do or go anywhere just because there is a ability to put pressure on a issue. There is an protection issue for everybody as long as it is done with no harm to anyone. W. Moore A private club should be allowed to conduct their business in privacy. As long as no laws are being violated in their operations they should be allowed to continue to operate without interference from special interest groups that are simply trying to make their case in the media. I applaud Augusta National for their efforts and their reaction to Ms. Burk's intrusion. B.
Cline At what point do these organizations developed to benefit "select" groups stop strong arming there way into places where they don't belong? Dr. Burk, don't you have bigger fish to fry? ... By the way, if there is an organization out there willing to fight for those of us not wealthy enough to belong to these elite clubs, could you fight that battle for us... why should any club discriminate based on wealth?... Please... Hats off to Mr. Johnson. Some of us are thankful enough to have had the opportunity to walk those hallowed grounds if only for one week out of the year. I hope for your organizations future, Dr. Burk, you have an agenda where Augusta National is at the end of the list. R.J.
LoVine I admire the club for sticking to their guns. It would be a shame to cancel the Masters but I would rather see them do that before they change their policy. Right on Hootie! E.
Vanderwalker We find the issue advanced by NCWO's Burk to be extremely offensive. If they wish to be part of a special, unique type environment with the heritage, and charisma which the Masters and Augusta National represents, let them start their own private club and special event, and build their own heritage. We support the position on this matter being taken by the members of Augusta National.
Mr. and Mrs. R. Austell A private club is a private club and should be able to determine the qualifications for its membership. That being said, any private organization that exposes it's status to public control or votes to accept public money for it's private use must bear the consequences. It appears that Augusta has chosen to forgo public money (TV sponsors) to remain private with the option to present their tourney in whatever form they decide.
W. Nelson I commend Augusta National for not being pressured. It is time for other organizations to stand on their principles. Augusta has been good for golf. I hope some sponsor steps up to the plate and also says they will not be pressured... D. Gustman Amen to the members. It's about time someone took a stand and told the women that their gender is not going to grant them admittance to all areas.
D. Taylor Having witnessed first hand the type of discrimination that exist between golf courses and minorities / women Hootie's response does not surprise me. What I don't understand is how the PGA & the PGA TOUR can stand by idly and accept this type of behavior. Aren't they 501C corporations? Isn't their non-profit status in jeopardy by allowing and sanctioning their players to participate at an announced racist and prejudiced establishment? There are minority programs in this country whose events and participants look like America with every race creed & color participating yet these same organizations do not support them, yet they find it necessary to support an organization whose (Black) help isn't even allowed to come out to witness events, who for years lived by the Southern racist mentality creed, and who today refuses to admit women (who make up 25% of the golfing participants in America). Women deserve the right to become members of Augusta and so do more minorities. How can the golf industry who only recently abolished the "White Only" rule in their by-laws, who only has 36 African American PGA Pros out of 36,000 who only has 1 African American Pro on tour (less than hockey), continue to receive non-profit government tax protection status, be allowed to wield this prejudicial power without repercussions? What makes Hootie so powerful that even the networks would go against their biggest audience (women & minorities) to support Hootie's outrageous conduct? If racism is that powerful in America, then let us all go get a white sheet and a burning cross and march down the streets of Augusta, I'm sure that will make Hootie feel right at home. It's time someone had the guts to stand up to the racist antics of the golf establishment and demanded and end to these types of behavior and more support of women and minorities in golf. R. Roker The Liberal agenda has gone far enough. This is just another special interest group (see: Boy Scouts v. Gay Front) tearing down the fabric of this country. This is a form of a "Shakedown". Hang in there Hootie........you can stand up to these "Femi-Nazi's". T.
VanHaaren This is a matter of choice in which people like Martha invented. Martha should concentrate on other things. She is wasting her time. D. Dolan Major discrimination and I cannot believe in the year of 2002 people can still get away with it. Don't be surprised to see his starters and scorers wearing white hoods and riding horses during the tournament. D. Schlesinger I think it is time to put these women in there place. I don't believe that anyone has a right just because they are women, black, poor or stupid. Just because i cannot afford to join there golf course does not mean they have to give me a membership for that reason. Women have messed up a lot of things just because they think, i am women you have to give me what i want, ha ha. I am a male that has been married for 40 years so i don't dislike women, i love one very much. B. Riblett Cheers for the gentlemen at Augusta! I would be happy to make a small contribution, or to watch the program on pay per view, rather than see the club be "forced", or coerced, into admitting individuals not desired by current membership. Please don't misunderstand my position; at my club I would be happy to sign an application for anyone regardless or race, creed, color, sex, or what have you, as long as they: pay bills promptly, can play in 4 hours or less, and can manage their behavior in a fashion consistent with the values of the organization. At the same time I would vehemently oppose the efforts of any outside agency to force us to admit anyone. T.
Burhans Have we decided to give up the right to private property in this country at the alter of political correctness, driven by political convenience? The Augusta National Golf Club is every bit as much private property to its members as your private residence is to you. Where is it contained in the laws or the intent of any governing body in this country, be it state or federal, that private property rights can be taken from rightful owners by popular vote? eh COMRADES? Hootie Johnson, speaking for the members of AN has taken the only viable position possible if AN is to remain a private entity governed and directed by its owners. The inappropriate attempt to wield political power as a war club to inflict her world view on AN by Ms Burk, is an egotistical demonstration of the consequences of people becoming inebriated by their delusions of self importance and power. I, and I alone, purchased the privilege to decide who enters my private residence, and who does not. Am I now to tell the members of Augusta National who is going to be able to enter their private property? Augusta National is a national treasure, loved and revered by golfers of all persuasions, for its traditions and quirks, just as they are. If these hard core advocates of the supreme female world view manage to foul up the Masters golf tournament, or the traditions and self governing nature of the Augusta National Golf Club, they had better get prepared for some lash back the likes of which they have not yet experienced.
G. Stewart I am so proud of the committee that conduct the masters,finally we have somebody that is not afraid to stand up for what they feel is the right thing to do keep it gentlemen I am proud of you. D.
Letellier What harm is there in a private members' club remaining as it has always been. Ladies have their own opportunity to create their own Augusta with limitations on membership. There are sufficient examples of clubs here in Scotland where clubs remain for men only. I can emphasize with the Chairman of Augusta National over the distraction that this feminist organization is causing and trust that he and his fellow directors will stick with their policy. If it ain't broke don't try to fix it; so carry on regardless and let the feminists go and do their own thing elsewhere. R.N.
Sharp The NOW organization is a political group. They need a cause to raise funds to pay their salaries. This is just another fundraiser for them. They gain nothing but more political power if the Masters gives in to them. Women's rights gains nothing. Women gain nothing. We all lose. They will conduct black mail to achieve their goals in order for NOW to gain money and political power. R. Resch Anyway you look at it, Augusta National has the right to do as their membership desires. This organization that is raising the issue has only one purpose: publicity for themselves and probably political office for the spokesperson in the future. R.
Cross I agree with their stand 100%; really what is wrong with an all mens club? I guess when you have the money members that they do, you can do pretty much as you please! My biggest problem is, I am not a member and can not play at Augusta; what a shame..EH! R.
Laslett It is my opinion that any organization should have the prerogative of accepting or rejecting any one or any group! L. Silver I think Johnson's reply is right. It's time somebody stands up for their rights. I hope he sticks to his guns. R. Roseboom Augusta or any club that is private has the right to choose their members. Ms. Burk, is on the wrong side of this issue and she is not doing the women's movement any benefit. T.
Shelton Go Hootie. It's about time someone stood up to the whacko feminists. J. Adams It is most unfortunate that this subject has been discussed on several public forums without a clear understanding of the issues and the facts. Emotions have run high with repeated accusations of 'racism' which I believe to be absolutely false. Also, the misconception that Augusta National and The Masters are one and the same. Believe that the decision to hold the 2003 Masters without commercial sponsors was a wise decision. Hopefully, this will permit the tournament to be properly focused on the game of golf. M.
McFerrin Hooray for Hootie, et al. What a coup. Since some leaders of corporations do not want to stand up for the truth, especially TV networks, (note the trash they put on the air), so now CBS has to eat cost of televising as sponsors pay their way. TBFT! (Too bad for them) Maybe I'll not watch so much NFL on their network, for sure if they refuse to televise the Masters, or put wrongful pressure on them. By the way. Those NOW "persons" are not Americans. Americans are not to impose their will on others. So many do these days, shaming us. By the way, it's to the advantage for men to have their own clubs. They learn to be better men. L. Logsdon Since when is it discrimination when men want to get together without women? Next thing you know, someone will file discrimination charges against the Miss America pageant (I've not seen one single man in it). I always thought that was one of the perks of having a private club. You only allow who you want. It's a MEN'S CLUB!!!!!!!! They don't need or want a woman's opinion. Especially one who wants to take over and always wants everything HER WAY. I say hang in there and keep doing what you do. I'll watch and most others will too. As for the sponsors, most of them are geared toward MEN'S GOLF anyway and I enjoy that be it politically correct or not. [my wife gave me permission to write this] L. Birkner The Augusta National and NCWO issue will not subside until either one of two items happens: 1. either the club admits a female member or 2. the Masters tournament moves to another location as ludicrous as the 2nd item sounds, considering that the tournament has been at ANGC since 1934, it is a viable option pressure will continue on tournament sponsors, then it will move to CBS, next up will be the PGA Tour, followed by the invited players to next years Masters. I anticipate this issue will be in the forefront almost daily from now until April, or until either option above is considered and enacted T.
Johnson Three cheers for Augusta National, and if a sponsor were to pull out due to this extortion, I'd boycott them! P. Hunt The members of Augusta National should be able to operate their club in the way they see fit to do so. They can afford to operate this way as their members belong with money they have earned. Where has Martha Burkıs money come from? Where does she get her support? These are questions that should be asked by the media. If CBS doesnıt broadcast this event, someone will and those interested will watch. I will be one of those interested parties. M. Burnham If Ms Burk wants to make an impact in the golf arena, then perhaps instead of trying to change tradition, she might gather other like minded women and start her own prestigious club. Is nothing allowed to be sacred any longer? G.
Turton Hootie Johnson is my hero. He has been placed in a terrible position by an obviously ignorant female and has managed the situation to the best conclusion possible. I really don't understand how forcing Augusta National to accept a female member would improve life for any woman. The only possible alternative that Augusta National could have tried would have been to send a letter to the offending female and offer her a membership with exactly the same fees and privileges that the other members get. I bet she could not afford it. Or, she would resign after 1 year. I would also note that I have not been invited to join Augusta National. That must be discrimination against me. Maybe I should start harassing Coke, CBS and Cadillac about that. Of course I could not afford the dues nor would I particularly want to be a member, but they are discriminating against me.
T. Horton Your commentary couldn't be more eloquently written! It is perfect! Augusta will change in due time! We have many more important issues at hand than this. One week from today is September 11th, less we forget.
E. Woronicz Bravo to Augusta! When are people going to quit thinking they can push others around by virtue of a threat or other pressure. Augusta will admit a woman but get used to the fact they will do it when they are ready and will not be forced to do so any earlier. Ms. Burk in my mind comes off looking very ineffective and none to smart. Lastly, by the measures taken to lengthen the course there are very few women who would even want to play the course having been 'Tiger proofed.' C. Frady Good for them. They allow women to play the course. If they want to keep their membership men only, GREAT! It is their choice, not some gal with an agenda. After all there are still some freedoms of choice left in this good old USA.
R. Ruonavaara Augusta National has always been obnoxious in the extreme on many matters; this is simply another example. Having said this I believe they have the right to be odious and we have the right to ignore them and /or thumb our collective noses at them. I feel a "McCord Award" should be established and bestowed on the first woman to be admitted who tells the powers at augusta exactly where to store their membership.
L. Parrella Hootie Johnson deserves a medal, its about time men (the real ones) stood up for their rights and stop this silly fawning over the so called Women's movement that was taken over long ago by militant Lesbians. Women have hundreds of private clubs, places of education and endless retailers selling their wares exclusively to women. Few men, if any, have any interest in belonging to or invading their private sanctuaries and in fact they are completely transparent to the male gender. On the subject of equality its about time we set the record straight. Equality is not guaranteed except in some very basis rights what is far more important is the treatment of everyone fairly. Our largely male legislatures seem unable to comprehend this very complicated concept (complicated for them anyway). Equally, means the 170th player on the tour money list has to make the same bucks as Tiger. Fair treatment means he has the opportunity to try to reach Tigers standing but until he does its only fair that he earned $100M this year. Next time someone says to you I need to be treated equally remind them that there only entitled to be treated fairly. C. Piazza Ms. Burk is out of touch with reality. Her only purpose is to promote her own image and that of her organization. The last time I looked, this was a Free Country and there are no laws defining the specific makeup of membership in any club or organization. I believe that Mr. Johnson and Augusta National have the absolute right to determine who can become a member of the club. Ms. Burk would better serve her organization if she would campaign for more important social issues and not pry into the workings of private clubs. I dare say that the majority of members of her "Club" could not afford to belong to Augusta or any other private club. Nor would they choose to apply for membership. Should she try to boycott the sponsors or picket Augusta, perhaps we should boycott Jewelry Stores, Women's Clothing stores and many other businesses of this type. Ms. Burk needs to get a life!!! G.
Battelle Martha Burk should get a real job and stay with her own kind. I thank her for eliminating commercials for the masters, but if she goes after CBS to stop airing the masters on T.V. she is endangering her health. G. Nagle I agree with Mr. Johnson. They should hold the line as a private club. E. Diberto While it is absolutely true that Augusta National is a private club, the Masters Tournament is perhaps the most public event in golf. If Augusta National and Hootie Johnson want to whine about constitutional rights, and the media wish to defend them, that's fine, but then it's probably time to move the Masters Tournament on to a course that stands for principles of fairness and decency rather than bigotry and discrimination. And, by the way, adding one token woman to the membership smacks of precisely the same tokenism that adding one person of color to the membership. Tokenism of that kind merely signifies more clearly the bigotry of Augusta National. Remember the saying, "Some of my best friends are Jews"? Yeah, right. J. Reither There still are many venues where "privatization" still exists, unfortunately. I am a 54 year old male who has taught golf for many years; I would prefer excluding the arrogant, thoughtless, non-divot-fixing, slow-playing, intoxicated, rules-unknowledgeable, and slovenly-dressed. They might be women, men, boys, or girls. We should care more about these attributes. J. Mike Concerning The Masters Tournament and the latest from the National Organization of Women (NOW). Augusta is a PRIVATE CLUB. They do not rely on any government funding or sponsors to run their club. If they want to remain without a woman member, it is their privilege and right. And they should until THEY (Augusta members) decide to change their policy. Should I sue the Augusta Country Club because they will not accept me as a member? (I should quote Groucho Marx - "I am not willing to join any club that is willing to accept me as a member!") With all the other debates on women (women's rights in Afghanistan, Abortion issues here in the US, violent crimes against women, etc.) does the NOW really have nothing better to do? Give me a break with this issue and tell the women to start their own club. T. Karalis Regarding Burk--(and I have 3 daughters)--It might be costly to forgo the sponsorships for the 2003 Masters but remember that Eve brought home the forbidden apple. Adam, I mean, Hootie is still paying! Since Burk has found her niche in life to work to force people into places that they are obviously not wanted, would she please consider opening up the locker rooms of women's pro basketball, tennis and golf associations to male sports reporters? Women sports reporters are allowed into the locker rooms of the professional male athletes but not visa versa. Can she please fix it? Just who is the head of the house at the Burk home? G.
Pryor No, I think Augusta National wants a private club and they don't want anyone to dictate on what terms will they keep their club private. I would not be surprised if Mr Johnson's next move is to cancel the televising of the Masters entirely as it seems that the woman's organization is now hounding CBS officials in the hopes that CBS will lean on Augusta National , since the sponsor ploy went for naught. I personally would find it very refreshing to see someone, anyone tell the court of public opinion and political correctness to bugger off. Knowing how tenacious and self serving these special interest groups are I'd not be surprised if the girl's next move were to insist the feds step in if the Masters is pulled off the air. Then it would follow that Augusta National\Hootie Johnson would counter by; 1. Cancelling the Masters entirely and, if necessary, 2. Close the gates to Augusta National to all if pressured by the government. Or he could close the membership entirely saying that they are at capacity, but that's not really in keeping with his stance so far. Why not close the gates and fold the tents? They've had a great run and to knuckle under to this kind of pressure would run contrary to everything the club has stood for. Augusta National is the most exclusive club anywhere and if you tamper with that, well you might as well open it up completely and make it a public course. There is so little left unchanged anywhere, better Augusta National dies on it's feet now rather than live on it's knees. This whole thing smacks of the same mindset that tampered with the Fireman's Statue at Ground Zero. So listen up ladies, there is still a place in which all your foot stamping and little clenched fists will never gain you entry. Besides the real reason you're not admitted to the membership at Augusta National is simple. Your feet are way too small; you'd screw the greens up. B. Ward I agree with Mr.Johnson regarding women members at Augusta National Golf Course.Why is it when men have something for "men only" women need to be a part of it.
R. Hamilton I listened to Ms Burk being interviewed on ESPN radio yesterday and must say that I think she is enjoying the attention. I believe that in America today "private" still retains its definition and that private clubs should be able to exist with membership voted on by the members. Policy should be determined by the members. I think racial discrimination should be avoided. I do not believe that gender discrimination should become an issue if indeed the club was set up to be a men's or women's club. Hootie should not bow to the pressure of the women's organization. Ms. Burk thought it a stupid question when asked by Dan Patrick, "what woman would want to come on board as a member?" I tip my hat to Hootie Johnson's standing up for his principles. I do wonder if he may have handled it a little better in terms of public relations persona. J. Thomas I'm a female golfer and i fully believe that the current club members do have a right to take a stand and not be FORCED to admit a woman into the fold at this time. I don't believe that the female press members shouldn't be allowed to force their way into locker rooms either. Now if they're invited in, then that's a good thing. Thank you for hearing me. M.
O'Neill The author of your commentary regarding the "required admittance" of women to the membership of Augusta National hit the nail on the head. Although there are many issues, regarding discrimination, that NEED to be addressed, this certainly is not one of them. What I feel has happened here is Martha Burk's concerted effort to harass, for personal gain, an esteemed establishment rather than fighting a legitimate less commercial battle. B.
Svagerko Hooray for Hootie and the "Boys". Its a MENS club, a P-R-I-V-A-T-E MENS club that puts on a tournament for the reigning masters and past masters of the game that the people of the world want to watch. That does not mean that they should discontinue their club as a mens club...a private one at that. If they want to get away from their girlfriends, wives or whatever, great...they have a place to do so. Suck it up women of the world, you have your women's only accommodations. Get some money together and build yourself a private club for golfing women. If the women had their way, Augusta would probably never have been built. W.R. Marconda Years ago there was a song with the words "I am woman, hear me roar" by an artist whose name was Helen Reddy, great tune by the way. Now jump forward a few decades and we meet a woman, Ms.Burk, who clearly loves what she does or represents, and the "roar" has now become a "bore"...in this age of "thought police" and "obey or I'll sue", this attempt by Ms. Burk to ruin an annual tradition by boycotting or whatever clearly has no meaning at this time, or in the near future. Like I said, Ms. Burk loves what she does. B.
Speranzella I think Augusta National did the right thing, it's their club they don't get money from the PGA, USGA, or any other publicly held organization and it's obvious they don't need it. They should be allowed to run their tournament and their club any way they see fit, after all they're paying for it. R. DAndrea What is it about the word 'Private," that this person does not understand? I am from a minority race, and I was raised in the Southwest during the 50's and the 60's, so I know all about segregation and discrimination. I was also taught about the privacy of others and how to respect that. I would never want to be at a party or function where I was not welcomed nor would I solicit for an invitation. Ms. Burk needs to get her priorities in order. If she is in a position to sway opinions, I would like to see her and her organization, find a way to improve education across the country. There are a lot of women teachers and we all know that they are not getting paid enough, to have the responsibility of our future in their hands. It is a sad day in America, that some states are spending more money to house and take care of inmates, instead of spending the same amount (or more as it should be) education. With a better educated America, you have less discrimination, bigotry and less ignorance and the crimes that come with that threesome. Maybe she should ask Mr. Johnson to secretly have Augusta National make a large contribution to teachers salaries, and in doing so, she would go away and become a teacher. It would be a win, win situation for us all, except for the kids in her class. Maybe she should go back to school for a refresher course or she should get a refund from her college, since apparently she did not learn too much. A.
Valerio Gentlemen, it is your club, your hard work and dedication to the mystic of golf and hard earned money that developed the best golf course in the world. I will never be invited to Augusta. Never expect to. Does not in anyway diminish the enjoyment of your tournament and the beauty of your course that I look forward to viewing only once a year. Why in the world would anyone want to infringe on a Country Club of any sort, much less one with the prestige and magnitude of Augusta National, where they were not invited nor wanted? I would think that with the determination and the amount of money this woman's group wants to spend to make an example of your club, they would be better served to take the money and build a replica of your course for women only. I would respect their right to do so and never dream on infringing on their right to select only the members they wanted. Please stick by your guns and retain the right of, By Invitation Only, of your own choosing. K. Broadaway Has anyone ask the question?.....Can men join the National Council of Women's Organizations or any of the organizations that they are representing? Just curious.
T. Conway Hooray for Hootie. It is time that all thinking Americans quit being bullied by special interest groups that really want to destroy American traditions. The Masters is a great tradition that does not need one or 50 members of the female sex to make it a great golf tradition. If the women's organizations want to destroy this great tournament...Let them try. I for one will fight them anyway I can. I will also quit supporting women's organizations no matter what they want. D. Gustman It is an outrage to suggest that men and women cannot enjoy privacy at their own expense. If women want they should create their own tournament, support it nurture it and get out of our face! Women & men are not created equal, that is a simple fact that cannot be denied.A private club is not a democracy.
S. Kramer As a "private" club, Augusta National has the right, by definition, to decide who they induct as new members and when they will be inducted. In my opinion, its members are to be commended for taking this stance. To hastily induct a woman as a token member would not be fair to the individual or to rest of the membership. It seems to me, Mrs Burk should have better causes to occupy her time and effort or her organization no longer has any meaningful goals.
R. Fredrickson I applaud the stand taken by Hootie and the Augusta membership. They have the right to admit whomever they choose into their membership. This is very progressive thinking as was the landmark decision of the Boy Scouts to not admit homosexuals. Furthermore, does anyone not find it ironic that a group which is sexist by definition, the NCWO, is fighting against sexual discrimination? What percentage of their organization is composed of men? Are their corporate contacts aware of this situation? Too many "politically correct" reparations have been mindlessly granted. Unfortunately, the recipients have confused charity with merit. It is for this reason that Burk and the NCWO thought that just a little blackmail and smear campaign would open the doors to new business networking opportunities. Or are they really seeking equality? Let the NCWO utilize their visionary skills and create their own course and tradition. They are certainly free to do this. Sure, it is far easier to attach yourself as a parasite to the efforts of others. But in this case, it only confirms the female as the lesser species. They do not seek equality. Instead, they desire to receive the affirmative action bounty and then pretend they are equal. Orwell knew all too well that some animals are more equal than others. L. Lucy Regarding Augusta: In my opinion the constitution provides for the ability to be different and to choose. Augusta is a PRIVATE institution and has the right to determine it's membership. Whether I believe they should have women members, I do, I do not think they should be forced. Yes, it took them a long time to integrate but they did and I believe they will eventually have a female member but that's for them to chose. I would love to be a member but I can't afford it so should I protest until they have someone who can't afford it become a member? Equality, women's rights, and many other programs are all well intended and needed to reduce bigotry, hatred, religious persecution, etc., but you can't change statutes and expect the people will willingly follow. Education and understanding are what changes people, plus some who have undergone a significant emotional experience. Sept. 11th has taught us many in the world do not think, act or want to be like us. Legislating or protesting won't make it different. Neither will it at Augusta but this pressure will result in there adding a woman member in a couple of years when they want to. J. Burns Some people just have nothing better to do! I would really like to be a professional basketball player in the NBA. Maybe I should sue them until they let people like myself (short, fat, slow...) into the league? If they would just lower those rims to about 7'-0" I might even have a shot at the slam dunk contest? Or how about those Girl Scouts? I don't recall seeing too many non-females ringing my doorbell selling cookies? It seems to me that the only certain groups are usually targeted in things like this. I wonder how many men are members of N.O.W. or the Feminist Majority Foundation.? I am guessing that no one really cares. Private groups are allowed to operate however they want. This is just a ploy by the N.O.W. to gain some free publicity.
E. Henefield I think that the ANGC is doing is what's right! It's a right of all Americans to have the Freedom of Association, being able to "choose your friends." Just because the club has chosen, thus far, not to have any women doesn't necessarily mean that they are discriminating against women. I have a friend who is a veteran LPGA player that told me Karrie Webb and Kelly Robbins went to Augusta National to play as guests of a member and said that they had never seen so many women on one golf course (except, of course, an LPGA event) at one time in their life! The point is, women aren't barred from going to the club, playing golf or from going to "certain" parts of the club. The women guests have all the rights and access that the men guests have, no more, no less. They even have their own locker room/bathroom! The unknown little secret is that Augusta was probably going to start asking women to join in the next couple of years and this will set it back, for who knows how long. Hootie Johnson is very progressive and has a history of helping minorities throughout his career. This episode is probably very frustrating to him, because he probably would have been the leader of trying to get women in the club. Hootie ought to go out and try to join the Junior League. :)
B. Jones Hootie is correct but not tactful. There are lots of private and exclusive clubs including clubs for women and clubs for black men. Augusta National should be able to decide on their own who their members are. C. Seip I Think Augusta and its members should be commended. T.
Repko I have been following the articles in the newspaper, the PGA web site and through Golf Press Association. As a former resident of Augusta, GA I always get a chuckle when off the wall groups try to "pressure" the Augusta National. If this ladies organization can read between the lines then they should understand from Mr Johnson's most recent statement that they just received a very polite "FU". It would not surprise me if this were to continue that after 2003 the only people watching the Masters could be the spectators who have tickets. Although I would miss seeing the tournament for the four days that it is shown I would not blame them one bit. The Masters and the Augusta National will go on forever. Believe me! J. Scott This has gotten blown way out of proportion! It should have been handled more discreetly, and egos kept behind the scenes. Now it is almost like two children arguing, saying "You're not the boss of me!", and it has gotten to the point where it will be tough for either side to compromise without feeling as if they are losing face. There are a lot more important things going on in the world than who can belong to a PRIVATE club. Having said that, I have to admit that my feelings would probably coincide more with Mr. Johnson than with Ms. Burk. Augusta National is a private club, and no one should feel they have the right to tell such club who they can and cannot have as members. That seems to be one of the basic rights we enjoy as Americans. If I want to create a private club, open only to left-handed people with blue eyes and a limp, why should anyone be able to dictate to me that I have to accept anyone who does not fit that set of criteria? I really dislike it when someone who has been put in the public eye tries to throw their weight around to demonstrate how important they really are. That could apply to both of the individuals involved here, but in this particular case I feel Mr. Johnson is correct in refusing to capitulate to threats. Bill
M. I am angry that this Martha Burk is grandstanding and making a political ploy of this membership for females at Augusta. Augusta is a private club and as such can and should determine who their members should be. I hope the Augusta membership does not fold....by the way I am also pleased to see that this years Masters will have even fewer commercials than previous years. L. Eineker My hat's off to Hootie! This Burk dame has her head in the woods and is out of bounds. There is NO discrimination at Augusta because it is a PRIVATE club, just as the Masters Tournament is by INVITATION only. Discrimination can only exist if the Augusta was open to EVERYONE and then excluded women..but it is not open to all...it is by invitation only. Criteria....Major cash, major juice, major connections, major horsepower, major influence, worldly power...so by definition, most of us are excluded. Are we then to feel discriminated against? Absolutely not. We just don't qualify for the invitation. What is next, she will want to allow LPGA to play on the PGA? Unlikely, women couldn't compete..and I doubt if she will start to lobby to let second tier professional men compete against the women, no will she. I am sure there are some other "women's issues" more important to concern herself with, but she sure does seem to love getting in men's faces with HER agenda. Go home Ms. Burk and bake some cookies will ya? C.B. Maxwell I think Groucho Marx said it best when he said, "I wouldn't want to belong to a club that would have me as a member." Augusta National is a PRIVATE golf club, and they can certainly choose whomever they want to be members of their club, even if their policies are discriminatory. I think they hurt themselves with their policies. For example, there will be people who won't buy their merchandise, or who won't choose to associate themselves with Augusta National, or The Masters, because of their "official position." I'll watch the Masters, though, if it's on, even though Gary McCord won't be a commentator. With all this hullabaloo about admitting a woman member, McCord at least, can follow Groucho's sage advice. C.
McCullough I support Mr. Johnson and Augusta National's stand on this issue. Augusta National is a private club, it members decide who will be allowed membership. Augusta National is not a public course. Ms. Burk is out of line on this issue. Is she even a golfer? Why has she picked this time to start her crusade? Is Ms. Burk a member of the LPGA, USGA or the PGA Tour Partners Club? These are some of the organizations that support golf. Is Ms. Burk on a one woman crusade or she acting on behalf of women golfers? It is amazing that Ms. Burk has picked Augusta National to attack. It is an institution with a long and glorious history recognized around the world. Every golfer would like the chance to play at Augusta. I would love to be a member at Augusta, but I am not going to cry foul or discrimination because I do not qualify and cannot afford to be a member. There are many women only organizations, men are not crying discrimination that they are not allowed to be a member. Why is Ms. Burk not trying to change the female only organizations and institutions before attacking Augusta National and its membership? I support Mr. Johnson and Augusta National 100%. When and if they ever decide to allow women members that will be their choice. I am glad they are not giving in to some one who needs the publicity to justify their job and their life.
D. Ellis Let us always remember that "GOLF" stands for "Gentlemen Only - Woman Forbidden." Augusta is only upholding the meaning of the sport and its purpose to exist on a private facility. U. Livengood I think the Masters as a Private Course should be allowed to select their members as they see fit T.
Burdette First, I do not consider the actions of Mr. Johnson discriminatory or out of line. Augusta National is a private club and what Ms. Burk is doing is not in the best interests of women. How many women does she think she will help by getting one or two into the club? Work on something more productive than that. I would rather see the Masters Tournament cancelled that to cave in to the demands of this female. J.
Handegard They are a private club why should they be pressured into admitting a women. Aren't there enough things wrong in this world without fighting over such a bullshit cause. Tell Miss or Mrs. Burk to try to find something a little more worthwhile to do in her life. (like get a life). Approach the government about over spending,why are schools are not up to snuff, why haven't funds collected after 9-11 been allotted to the families. J. Beatty Opinions expressed in Reader's Forum are those of the individual letter writers and not of The Wire, its staff or its editorial board. Letters are edited to remove spelling and grammatical errors where possible, and The Wire staff reserves the right to edit for space. | ||
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