Augusta makes a statement

Once again the sports world bled into the news world last week when Augusta National Golf club allowed two women to join the club. The club made a statement for itself and for the country in general.
Augusta National has always been one of the most prestigious clubs in the country. Throughout its 80 year history, though they tried, women have never been admitted as members. That changed with news that former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and business woman Daria Moore are now members.
It is the end of a long standing controversy at the club. Women’s rights groups have often picketed out side the club’s gates. Former club president Hootie Johnson once said that women would only be admitted “under the point of bayonet.” That shows how significant the event is. It shows officials at Augusta National are moving into the generation of 2012.
This decision was done with money in mind as are most things in the world. IBM is one of the largest sponsors of the Masters tournament which is held each April at the club. The company became agitated when the club turned down the membership request of company CEO Virginia Rametty. Even the threat of withdrawing support was enough to finally persuade Augusta National to change its view.
This is a significant event for women, obviously. Many besides the two who were admitted enjoy golf as a hobby and will likely join in the future. No one can join the club without being invited so it will be up to officials at Augusta National how many women join the club. The will determine if the club admitted token members or if they have truly instituted a policy change. There is surely a long line of women waiting to be the next to join.
Augusta National is about more than golf, it is one of the most prestigious clubs in the country. Admission is without a doubt a step up on the social ladder.
This decision opens the doors to the club to another group, African Americans as Mrs. Rice is herself of the African American race. It only makes sense because Tiger Woods is probably the player who has mastered the course better than anyone else and of course is off African American descent.
It is not the first time an African American has traveled down historic Magnolia Lane to join the club but each time one enters the southern icon it emphasizes a point.
The situation at Augusta should have been addressed a long time ago but is still significant in 2012. It shows women continue to make progress in a world where they seem to be behind men in some areas. The gap between men and women got ever so closer together with the club’s decision.