A Step in the Right Direction

While Augusta National's decision to admit female members for the first time in its history should be applauded, the game has some way to go before gender equality is truly established.

Annika Sorenstam

Sorenstam Heralds Augusta Decision

Former World No 1 Annika Sorenstam was at Mission Hills Golf Club in late August hosting her ANNIKA Invitational event, Asia's first junior girls-only tournament, at the time of the Augusta announcement and told HK Golfer she was full of praise for the club's decision.

"It's a historic moment, something I very much welcome," said the Florida-based Swede, who retired from competitive golf in late 2008. "Augusta National is a special place and hosts one of the best tournaments in the world. The two women in question [Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore] are highly respected business leaders, and as a mum, golfer and entrepreneur myself, I think this is fantastic news for the game and certainly a step in the right direction.

"The game has been struggling a little bit in the last few years for several reasons, and this will help get it back on track. It's a very important step for women across the entire sports spectrum."

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Written by Lewine Mair

Photography by AFP

Click here to see the published article.

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