[groanup]

Only those who have been there can understand. I once belonged to a very exclusive club simply because it was bought-out, improved and made exclusive while I reamained a member. Once the membership became privileged the entire tone of the club changed. Courtesy became rampant. Proper behavior became the norm. But, most importantly, the game became a ritual. You always knew that on the first tee you would be able to find a game with a gentleman who would prefer to see you make a good stroke than he win ten dollars on the hole. In this type of situation it is not neccesarily a woman's game. It is a battle of proper men who's real war is waged in the private arena Monday thru Friday. I have always been amazed at what the game will tell you about someone. On many occasions I have played the game with someone who would be very intimidating in the field of business only to find that they are weak-kneed on the links. I have been there and done it. It's true. Women don't always identify with this. God help me for the wrath I am about to receive.

[groanup]

The link is to the Masters web site. The book from which I gleaned the post is "The Story of Augusta National Golf Club" by Clifford Roberts (Doubleday 1976). Mr Roberts committed suicide many years ago while standing on one of Augusta's greens in the early morning.

[Lorianne]

They have every right to be exclusionary and everyone else who is a United States citizen has a 1st Ammendment right to criticize them publically if he/she chooses.

[Joe Boucher]

Hang in there Hootie, tell the feminazis to go to hell.