There is a lot deliberately left out of the argument by the grumpy women's groups. 1.) Augusta is a private golf club of about 300 people. This isn't a million member men's only group we're talking about.
2.) No one's application is being denied here, there are no applications to deny. Members join through invitation only, how they're selected is their own business.
3.) It's freaking expensive. Yearly membership costs are probably well over $30,000.
4.) No pool, just golf. Family-friendly ammenities like a swimming pool are missing from Augusta.
The question isn't why women can't be admitted for membership; it is more along the lines of how many unmarried women live in Georgia, love golf, socialize with Augusta members, don't have kids to raise or entertain, and oh by the way have an extra 30 grand to toss around each year on a club membership.
You're right it is freaking expensive. But it is not well over $30,000 per year. There are no membership dues as I've heard it. Once a year (or more often if necessary) the members are assessed for club expenses. A few years ago they switched to bent grass greens. The cost was enormous. No problem. Just tell the members how much they owe.