Here is my take on the Augusta National-Martha Burk flap.
Most of us are aware that there are hundreds of corporate icons who would be thrilled to find their names on the manifest at Augusta National.
Those men are not included because they were not invited. It is, after all, a private club not unlike a fraternity.
Even though I am a retired California school teacher, I was privileged over many years to have caddied at numerous golfing venues around the country.
On Sept. 27, I was shocked to find a list of every Augusta member in USA Today and even further shocked to note that I have caddied for at least a dozen of these gentlemen.
Two names on the list jumped out at me — Jack Vickers and Boone Pickens. These men define decency and integrity. Both belong to several top-rated country clubs that have women members.
It would be most interesting to do a study to see how many of Augusta’s members belong to other clubs where women are welcome.
The bottom line is that Augusta’s policy of “men only” has nothing to do with “hating women” or being “anti-feminist.”
There is nothing bizarre or sinister about wanting to be a member of a male-only club where one can meet and commiserate with other highly successful people from all walks of life. I would imagine that these members feel the same degree of warmth, acceptance and goodwill that Martha Burk feels at a NOW convention.
Augusta will have women members someday but let us hope it will be on Hootie’s terms and not because of Martha Burk. Let’s hope that Hootie Johnson will stand tall and resolute in the face of controversy.
Ray Granger

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