As we all watch the Masters play out at Augusta National Golf Club, we are constantly reminded that they have a long standing Men Only tradition at the club. And once again, this year is no different. Even Mitt Romney and President Obama have tossed their political opinions into the Augusta National Debate. Both are standing up and proclaiming their best Reaganesque statement of “Tear Down These Walls” and allow women membership.
Personally, I do not have a problem with a mens only club. Augusta National is a club and they can be just as exclusive as other clubs (Sororities, Fraternities, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, The NFL)
But Augusta is not the only Golf Club to have an exclusive membership based on gender.
Ladies Golf Club of Toronto is the only one in North America owned and operated by women, for women. But even they seem more progressive than Augusta. They allow Guest Card access to Men so long as they are sponsored by a Ladies Club Member. Guest Card Holders do not get all the amenities that the ladies get but they can join their lady partners twice a month on the course.
Unfortunately, as long as there are exclusive club memberships, the debate regarding the legality and fairness of this exclusiveness will never go away.
So, in the tradition of the Augusta National Debate regarding exclusivity, should they allow women to join? IMHO – Not unless if they want women to join.
Should Augusta be forced to change? Again, IMHO – No.
If women feel jilted, they are free to form their own club, just like the one in Canada.
Or
Just go to the local public course, like I do and enjoy the game. Believe me, I fit right in with all the other amateurs – Men and Women alike – have a ton of fun and believe it or not, not once think of exclusive memberships or Augusta National.
Fumbled Returns 