Cynthia Tucker on Augusta National (prepare to scream in technicolor)

AJC ^ | 9/14/02 | Cynthia Tucker

[groanup]

http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/opinion/tucker/index.html

[vikzilla]

Wasn't it Twain who summarized golf as "a good walk spoiled?"

It was John Daily that said," Golf is good walk oiled."

[Bob J]

I'm not a scientist, but there appears to be some basic differences between the male and female of most species. Only ball-busters would see that mode of thinking as medieval.

I see. I mut have lost my mind or something.

Differences in the genders justifies separate restroom facilities, not membership in golf clubs.

If the members of Augusta believe golf is only for men, so be it, but I believe it to be throwback to the good old boys mentality. Woman golfers have a lot to offer not only as players, but as contributing members. If they decided to start a Men's Club where they discuss men issues and engage in men activities (like seeing how far they can piss), I'd say go for it. There is no logical reason to exclude woman from a Golf Club.

[Bob J]

Let's not muddy the water. Augusta has a don't ask don't tell policy about excluding women. The fact that quality women have applied and never been accepted, and, that no woman has ever had an invitiation extended, speaks for itself. The fact that they can't even bring themselves to put the token woman on board is revealing.

[Bob J]

I thought it was "golf is a good buzz spoiled"?

[Fair Paul]

I will fully support her efforts to admit women as members to Augusta National after women are allowed to join Kabul Creek and Saudi National Country Clubs.

[meyer]

Gosh, a place where women can't go! Based on that flimsy argument, we ought to have unisex restrooms. If women want to play golf, there are numerous places and opportunities to do so. This is a CLUB, with membership requirements. Although sometimes unfair, there IS a "right" of association.....

Free association and property rights. I have the right to invite anybody I want to my home and to reject anybody I want. It is my property. Augusta is private property - they can invite and reject anybody they want as well. If these women want an exclusive club, they are free to start their own.

These women don't want to be members of any exclusive club; they just want to be privy to any private conversations that these guys might have. They're busybodies that need to make sure nobody is talking about them.

I have to ask, isn't there anywhere guys can go where women aren't around all the time? I mean, I love women, but one needs to get away once in a while.

[meyer]

If the members of Augusta believe golf is only for men, so be it, but I believe it to be throwback to the good old boys mentality.

I'm sorry, but the members of Augusta haven't said that golf is "only for men". What they have said is that they are a private club that allows only men to join. And not just any men; selected men that they choose to invite. Just like guests on any other private property are chosen. By invitation.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

The fact that quality women have applied and never been accepted, and, that no woman has ever had an invitiation extended, speaks for itself.

One does not apply to become a member at Augusta, one is invited. Bill Gates tried to buy his way in and was told to get lost. Simply asking to join is the kiss of death. Arnold Palmer finally was invited in 1999. Their club, their rules and it's all perfectly legal and contemporary.

[AnAmericanMother]

What "quality woman" do you know of that has applied and not been accepted? Name please. (Of course, the only way you would know that is if you were sitting on the board. The process is confidential, unless a disappointed applicant blabs to the public, which he or she would never do, assuming he or she has any shame.)

Here's what you don't understand: If you APPLY - man or woman - you are TURNED DOWN. Asking to be invited is the kiss of death. Lobbying to be invited is the kiss of death. And, for heaven's sake, taking your case to the NEWSPAPERS is the ultimate kiss of death. Doesn't matter if you're male or female.

This Burke person never had any intention of getting a lady golfer in to Augusta, she's only interested in getting publicity for her rad/fem organization. If a lady candidate is presented in the proper way, she will get in. But you and I will never hear about it, because she will be a discreet, somewhat traditional, businesswoman with a passion for golf.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

[Bob J]

I didn't say it was illegal, I just don't agree with it.

[Bob J]

I didn't say it was illegal, I just don't agree with it.

[Bob J]

Understood. I agree that Burke is looking for attention and scandal, she can pound sand for all I'm concerned.

As far as "applying", there are other ways to let it be known that someone is interested in being a member without filling out an application. The fact is a Augusta has never extended a membership to a woman and they've made it plain that they consider themselves to be a men's only club. It's thier property and they can do with it as they wish, I just happen to believe it is rather silly.

[HighWheeler]

Whew! Bob!

Remind me not to go to any stag parties you throw on someone's private property. I'm guessin' there would be a lot of Tupperware and Avon involved.

[AAABEST]

There is no logical reason to exclude woman from a Golf Club.

Yes there is, because you don't want women in your club.....period.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

I didn't say it was illegal

I didn't say you did.

[Bob J]

Excluding women form a stag party would be a reasonable expection.

[Bob J]

Hmmm, I see you're logic.

[Bob J]

Their club, their rules and it's all perfectly legal and contemporary.

You're note on legality implied I may have questioned it. BTW - I don't agree that it is contemporary.

[meyer]

I didn't say it was illegal, I just don't agree with it.

If you care about property rights and the right to free association, you ought to agree with it. Why? Because just as nobody has the right to tell you who you can invite to, say, a dinner party, neither does anybody have the right to tell Augusta who they can invite as members of their private club.

And just as Augusta's management are free to invite and reject whomever they please, so are you granted that right. And so are the feminazi complainers when they decide to start their own private golf club.

Its not about exclusion or inclusion - Its about freedom.