Golf: Augusta National Ready to Welcome Wie if She Qualifies

Augusta National GC, once the symbol of sexism, has decided to open its doors to women.

"We`d be pleased to have Michelle Wie play in the Masters tournament, if she qualifies," Masters Chairman Hootie Johnson said on April 8.

Although his remarks are aimed to woo public opinion because Wie’s chances are less than good to out-compete the top-class male golfers to qualify, they have meaning in that the club’s principal of all-male membership has begun to crumble.

“We don’t have plans to issue an invitation to Wie for the sake of promotion,” Johnson said. For her, there are three options to compete at Augusta. She could win the U.S. Public Rinks Championship or U.S. Mid Amateur Championship. Or, she could come in first or second at the U.S. Amateur Championship.

Master golfers all welcomes Augusta’s shift in policy. Gary Player, nicknamed the Black Knight and whose nephew is a caddy for Wie, said he would love to see Wie playing at Augusta. “I think it would be the greatest thing that could ever happen to Augusta,” he said. “We will all welcome her.”

“If you can qualify to get in, you ought to go play,” said Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear, giving his support to Wie.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com