Monday, October 07, 2002
Nancy Lopez supports Augusta's men-only policy
The Associated Press
ALBANY, Ga. — Nancy Lopez said she doesn't mind Augusta National's long-standing policy prohibiting women from becoming members.
“You know, I hate that that has come up because I have always respected the tradition at Augusta,” Lopez told the Albany Herald. “And it was never a tradition of male or female to me, it was always just tradition.”
Lopez also said she's not fighting for women's membership but would accept if she were invited to join Augusta, which hosts the Masters.
Martha Burk, the chairwoman of the National Council of Women's Organizations, said she's disappointed a female golfer of Lopez's stature would accept the policy.
“I think that as the most prominent women's golfer of the last generation, her support for our campaign could go a long way,” Burk said.
Burk's organization has been lobbying prominent Augusta National members to convince the club's leadership to change its membership policy.
Lopez has won 48 tournaments, including three LPGA championships in 25 years on the tour. She has played Augusta twice with a member.
“I don't feel women have to go join Augusta because it's really not a man-woman issue. It's just understood,” Lopez said. “I don't feel like there's discrimination there.”
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Nancy Lopez supports Augusta's men-only policy
