22 Aug 2012

First women members admitted to Augusta

2:24 pm on 22 August 2012

Augusta National, the home of the Masters golf tournament, has admitted women members for the first time in its history.

Former US Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice and financier Darla Moore of South Carolina have accepted invitations to join the club in Georgia.

Augusta National has come under increasing pressure to admit women members, with the question of the exclusive policy coming up each year when the club hosts the Masters.

The club opened in 1932, co-founded by Bobby Jones, the only golfer to achieve a grand slam in a single season.

Before Monday's announcement, women were allowed to play the course only if invited by a member, and could not become members themselves.