LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan would like something more than Augusta National to invite women as members.
Whan shared his views with Forbes magazine in an interview that hit the web on Wednesday:
Forbes: Should Augusta National admit female members?
Whan: As the commissioner of the LPGA, I think Augusta should have a women’s tournament. I don’t care if they have female members.
Forbes: Really?
Whan: Well, at the end of the day I would have a difficult time explaining to my kids why dad was a member of all men’s club. [Whan is not a member at Augusta.] And I really doubt by the time my kids are my age this will even be a topic. They’ll have female members by then. It’s a private club they can do what they want. It’s worth noting that Augusta National is an incredible supporter of some of our initiatives. They write us a six-figure check every year for Girls Golf, which helps get girls into the sport. I don’t think it’s a guilt check. Maybe it is. What’s frustrating is that the best players now on our tour can’t play there. I ask every year.