Augusta National announced it will have two female members when the club reopens in the fall. For the first time in the 80 year history of the famed club, Augusta National, has named former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as the first women members.
Augusta National, home of The Masters, was one of a few remaining clubs in the U.S. that did not allow female members. In recent years the club had received pressure from the public, and even President Barack Obama, to open its doors to women.
August National's Club Chairman, Billy Payne, issued a statement regarding the news of the newest members:
"This is a joyous occasion as we enthusiastically welcome Secretary Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as members of Augusta National Golf Club. Consideration with regard to any candidate is deliberate, held in strict confidence and always takes place over an extended period of time. The process for Condoleezza and Darla was no different."
About Rice & Moore
Condoleeza Rice is 57 years old and was National Security Advisor to former President George W. Bush before becoming Secretary of State. She is a member of the U.S. Golf Associations nominating committee and is currently a member of the faculty at Stanford University, where Tiger Woods attended.
Darla Moore is 58 years old and was once the highest paid woman in banking according to Reuters. She has an MBA from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and is currently a partner at an investment firm.
