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The Augusta National Golf Club has, for the first time in its history, admitted a woman as a member: Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice!

The prestigious, ultra-exclusive organization has been all-male since it opened in 1933; it was also all-white until as recently as 1990. No longer.

This morning, the home of The Masters tournament announced it has invited Rice, along with South Carolina businesswoman Darla Moore, to join.

Do they even have a women’s restroom there right now?

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Augusta National chairman Billy Payne said: “It will be a proud moment when we present Condoleezza and Darla their green jackets when the club opens this fall.”

“This is a significant and positive time in our club’s history.”

“On behalf of our membership, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome them and all of our new members into the Augusta National family.”

“These accomplished women share our passion for the game of golf and both are well known and respected by our membership,” Payne added.

 
Rice, who served as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, said, “I’ve visited Augusta National on several occasions and look forward to playing golf, renewing friendships and forming new ones through this very special opportunity.”

With the exception of Masters champions, who earn lifetime memberships, entry into the club is by invitation of the existing members only.

Darla Moore, FYI, is a partner of the private investment firm Rainwater, Inc., and is considered a pioneering woman in the banking industry and a benefactor to many institutions in her home state of South Carolina.

Congrats to Condi and Darla!

[Photo: WENN.com]