Augusta National golf club has never admitted a woman member it its history, but that gender discrimination policy is being put to the test this week. IBM, a sponsor of The Masters golf tournament which Augusta National is hosting, has a female chief executive -- Virginia Rometty. (IBM's prior four male CEOs were all given honorary membership.) Rometty is expected to be at Augusta National today, and media reports are asking whether she'll be allowed to don the famous green jacket, which is traditionally worn only by club members and Masters champions.
Both President Obama and Mitt Romney have issued statements indicating their disagreement with the club's policy. Meanwhile, club chairman Billy Payne insists that Augusta will decide for itself whom to allow in its ranks. |