Augusta National Golf Club: Membership for Women or Staying the Course?

Abstract

Professional golf’s most prestigious venue and most storied tournament come under fire as the National Council of Women’s Organizations attacks Augusta National Golf Club for its exclusionary membership practices. The Club, which annually sponsors The Masters Golf Tournament, has no women members and balks at the idea of being told who it must include as members. A very public tussle ensues, involving the CBS Television Network, the Professional Golfers Associations, several prestigious sponsors, and the business organizations of the club’s members. Both sides resolve to stand their ground.