Women on Par With the Masters

PINK will not be “protesting” the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club come April 6th. (Don’t believe everything you read). We do however enthusiastically encourage Augusta National’s leadership to admit women as members. Doing so would go a long way toward supporting women in business (and women in general).

This is also a smart business decision – especially now that a record number of women play the game, and happen to be key decision-makers at big companies that support clubs and purchase memberships. According to the National Golf Foundation, as of 2008 there are 5.79 million women golfers. That’s 22 percent of all US golfers and women spend 57 million dollars a year to pursue their interest. A growing cadre of PINK readers too enjoys golf and the business opportunities that come with playing the game.

Due to demand, PINK has even begun writing about golf in every issue. The issue now on newsstands applauds the more than 175 courses that have been recognized as “women-friendly facilities” by the Executive Women’s Golf Association.

It’s a no brainer that admitting women would boost business and improve the Club’s reputation.

And it’s the right thing to do.

Club leaders came to their senses back in 1990, finally allowing Ron Townsend, the first African American member, to join.

And seven years ago, then chair of the National Council of Women’s Organizations, Martha Burk, very publicly protested the clubs men-only policy, but no avail.

Despite Augusta National’s hesitation, there has since been a steady decrease in the number of male-only clubs and clubs with men-only grills. In less provincial communities discrimination in general, including gender-based exclusion, is fast becoming a relic of the past; and ultimately Augusta will follow.

A protest won’t get Augusta National to evolve, but we’re hoping common sense will.

By Cynthia Good