Letter 5/25/03

To the editor:

Female golfers should not be allowed to join Augusta National Gulf Club. This issue addresses time-honored tradition as well as the rights of private memberships.

According to John Donovan from Sports Illustrated, Augusta National is a 70-year-old club, and its 300 all-male membership is growing rapidly. Tradition is good in many circumstances, including this one.

Women often create controversy in organizations with their demands and ways of sharing information. Women already have the opportunity to establish their own Masters, and the LPGA sanctions many major tournaments for women both nationally and internationally. Private clubs or organizations in the United States have the right to create laws for their organizations as long as they follow legality rules.

If the ladies association wishes, they could award a green jacket or establish a new signature prize. This could appease their longing for Masters recognition and expand their national and international standing.

Some women are intimidated to play golf with men. Establishing a women's Masters would eliminate this intimidation and create a field of even play among their peers. Considering the attention this subject creates, corporate sponsors would want to fairly contribute. These points in mind, female golfers should not be allowed to join Augusta National.

Women and men have the right to form their own social organizations. Not allowing the other opposing sex is discriminating. This is just according to Martha Burk and her followers.

According to Hootie Johnson, "the Augusta National Club does not permit applications and membership is by invitation only." Using an invitation-only policy, the board of directors at Augusta has control of the membership and can maintain its prestigious standing. Ms. Burk needs to state facts and quit beating around the bush. The fact is Augusta National is a private club and should be able to regulate its membership.

Because of traditional values, because the people have the right establish their own tournaments, and because citizens of the U.S. have the freedom to create clubs and organizations, female golfers should not be allowed to join Augusta National Club. Such clubs are not sponsored by the government and should not be interfered with by the government.

Martha Burk is out of bounds. KRISTEN HOWARD

Jackson

Kristen Howard is a member and employee at Kimbeland Country Club in Jackson.