Masters Chairman Payne declines questions of female members is topic

Masters Tournament and Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Billy Payne touched on several topics at his annual news conference Wednesday.

Concerning the most touchy subject – the possible addition of a female member – he reiterated the club’s policy of not discussing its membership.

Recent media reports have asked whether new IBM CEO Virginia Rometty will possibly join Augusta National. Of the 24 questions or comments directed toward Payne during his 30-minute session, more than a third concerned whether the club would consider adding Rometty, or any female member, in the future.

“Well, as has been the case, whenever that question is asked, all issues of membership are now and have been historically subject to the private deliberations of the members,” Payne said, “and that statement remains accurate and remains my statement.”

Payne opened the news conference by honoring two-time Masters champion Seve Ballesteros, who died in May. Payne also mentioned media greats Jim Huber and Furman Bisher, who died this year.

Later, Payne expressed concern about golf’s lack of growth in recent years. He said Augusta National and the Masters are doing their part to reverse that trend, creating the Junior Pass Program and joining with EA Sports on the Masters video game last year in an effort to attract a younger generation.

“Impressive efforts I hope, but not enough,” Payne said. “We can do better. We can be a better partner with the established golf organizations as they address these critical issues.

“Golf is too precious, too wonderful, to sit on the sidelines and watch decreasing participation.”

Payne also touched on the subject of not extending a special foreign invitation to South Africa native Ernie Els, who is sitting out for the first time since 1993.

“First of all, I’d like to say we are great fans of Ernie,” Payne said. “He’s a great player, and we expect him to be back with us shortly and often. But after evaluating all of the circumstances, we chose obviously not to extend an invitation but look forward to seeing him soon.”

For the players in the field, weather is a major concern. An overnight storm dropped 1.4 inches on the course early Wednesday. More rain is expected Thursday afternoon. Players could face the dilemma of dealing with mud balls, unless Masters officials decide to enact a lift, clean and place policy for the first time.

“We surely would not want to have to do that,” Payne said. “That would be a decision very difficult to make. However, we are also bright enough to know that weather conditions can have an impact on that, and possibly cause us to change our minds on that issue.”