We're Augusta, so mind your own business!
New boss, old habits as Masters chairman responds to criticism of club's attitudes
Posted: 5 April 2007
by Paul Mahoney in Augusta
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New order, old attitudes: Billy Payne (right) with former chairman Hootie Johnson
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UK-based freelance journalist Paul Mahoney is reporting daily on the Masters for Golfmagic.com. Here's the first of his exclusive commentaries from Augusta National.
THE TRADITIONAL address by the chairman of Augusta National on the eve of the Masters had a fresh appeal this year. New boss Billy Payne has taken over from the often controversial and confrontational Hootie Johnson.
Johnson is the man, remember, who rowed publicly in 2002 with Martha Burke of the National Council of Women’s Organisations,
who challenged the club’s lack of any women members.
Payne is seen as a more progressive, approachable chairman who was instrumental in bringing the 1996 Olympic Games to Atlanta during his time on the city’s Olympic committee.
Payne has increased television coverage this year, embraced new media and allowed webcams to show live footage from Amen Corner on the tournament's official website
www.masters.org.
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Sunday driver: Payne with Arnold Palmer
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But, just in case you think the club is finally ready to embrace the 21st century, some old Augusta National habits are hard to kick.
Will we ever see a woman member
of Augusta? Payne was asked.
“As I’ve said many times, all members and membership matters are subject to the private deliberations of the members and, other than that, sir, I’m simply not going to talk about it.” Ouch!
Just to follow that up, asked another, there is a bill in Congress that would take tax breaks away from members of private clubs that discriminate on the basis of religion, race or
gender. Any comment?
“None whatsoever.” Ouch again!
And lastly, a third inquisitor prodded, are you often approached with ideas to make things better, that you find yourself rejecting?
“We don’t have a suggestion box,” said Payne to
much laughter.
In other words: 'it's our club, it's our tournament, so mind your own business!'
Golf club committees – don’t you just love ‘em!
Tell us your views on Augusta National's attitudes
on the forum, for a chance to win one of five square headed drivers we're giving away this week.
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Discuss this story
Agree with Paul W, above. A private club must have the right to do as it pleases. If someone wants to start a club which bars, women, men, black people, white people, muslims, jews, christians, etc etc. Then it must have a perfect right to do so. As long as it does not have its paw out for any money from the public purse, then i for one would vigorously defend its right to do so. Surely at the end of the day that is what freedom and democracy are all about. Freeedom must mean freedom for all, not just the ones we personally agree with.
Posted: 07/04/2007 06:46
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