Women no longer out of bounds at Masters_美文_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Women no longer out of bounds at Masters

The club does not reveal its full list of members, believed to be around 300, although it is known that some of the most powerful men from industry and finance, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, are members.

Change commonly occurs at a glacial pace at Augusta.

It was not until 1990 that Augusta National invited its first black member, businessman Ron Townsend.

Before Augusta National's groundbreaking announcement in August, women were allowed to play the course only if invited by a member.

Pushed by the National Council of Women's Organizations to admit women, former Augusta chairman William "Hootie" Johnson dug in his heels, saying the club would not be forced to open its doors "at the point of a bayonet".

Even though the controversy has been largely defused, it is a subject Augusta National and Masters champions past and present continue to tiptoe around.

Tiger Woods, who steered clear of the debate while it raged, would not be dragged into any reflection on the issue, saying only he was happy to welcome Rice, his fellow Stanford University graduate, into the club.

About the broadcaster:

Nelly Min is an editor at China Daily with more than 10 years of experience as a newspaper editor and photographer. She has worked at major newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press. She is also fluent in Korean.