Mickelson, Woods happy for Rice's membership

• By Randall Mell
• Aug 22, 2012 2:32 PM ET

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson sound as if they would both fancy a golf date with Condoleezza Rice when she officially becomes an Augusta National Golf Club member.

Woods and Mickelson enthusiastically greeted news that the former secretary of state will join South Carolina financier Darla Moore as the first women members of Augusta National.

Mickelson has played golf with Rice and wants to do so again.

“I haven’t checked with her yet, but I’m hoping to sneak in a few practice rounds before the Masters next year,” Mickelson said. “It would be an honor for me.

“She is one of my favorite people I've ever been around. I love spending time with her. She's so intelligent, and she is so fun to ask questions. She loves the game of golf and plays it with a passion. She's a great asset and a great member to any club.”

Woods calls Rice a friend. Rice holds a political science professor’s position at Stanford, where Woods attended before turning professional.

“I'm very excited for Condoleezza, being a person I can call a friend, and very excited for her to be able to accept a membership there,” Woods said. “I know she's excited about it, and it's going to be fun for her and whatever guests she wants to bring out there.”