Augusta, home of the Masters, admits first female members

[Rey C.]

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(Reuters) - Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters golf tournament, finally ended an all-male policy that had endured for 80 years when it announced on Monday that two women would be admitted as members for the first time.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and financier Darla Moore will become the first women to don the renowned green jackets when the Augusta, Georgia, club re-opens for a new season in October.

Augusta National's male-only status has drawn criticism for years. Ahead of this year's Masters tournament in April, President Barack Obama weighed in on the matter, saying through a spokesman that he believed women should be admitted.

"This is a joyous occasion as we enthusiastically welcome Secretary Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as members of Augusta National Golf Club," Billy Payne, the club's chairman, said in a statement.

Well, that's nice. You couldn't pay me to join a country club where golf is played - although I do plan on joining one that houses a race track. But at least this is a sign that some parts of our society are moving into the 20th century... too bad it's already the 21st century.