AUGUSTA NATIONAL REFLECTS EVOLUTION OF GOLF’S INCLUSIVENESS

We all know that golf is a great game for a number of reasons.  Augusta National Golf Club’s recent decision to admit two female members is another reason to celebrate the game.   One of the few negative aspects of the game is that it has had a long history of exclusion.  Golf for years was a game only for the wealthy; that barrier was broken down.  The PGA of America had a long history of excluding African-Americans from its ranks.  Thanks to pioneers such at Ted Rhodes, Charlie Sifford, and many others, that barrier fell, too.   The decision by Augusta National to admit Condoleeza Rice and Darla Moore as members is, contrary to what some in the media think, neither morally right nor wrong.  Augusta is, after all, a private club, and its membership can associate with whomever they choose.   But, Augusta’s decision does reflect a continuation of the trend of inclusiveness in the game, and that’s a good thing.  The USGTF recognized this from its founding, and has encouraged people from every walk of life to experience the game as either a player or a teacher.   There’s still work to be done, of course, as issues of exclusion still persist among some associations that should know better.  Augusta’s action signals to the world that golf’s inevitable march towards complete inclusiveness continues.