Columnist Victoria Sun: Women’s group way off base

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2002 | 8:51 a.m.

Victoria Sun is a Las Vegas Sun sportswriter. She can be reached at victoria@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4078.

Martha Burk doesn't want anyone to watch the Masters on television next year.

It's played at the exclusionary Augusta National Golf Club where no women members are allowed.

As chairwoman of the National Council of Women's Organizations, this doesn't sit well with Burk or her cohorts.

In fact, it seems to tick her off.

On Tuesday she spoke on the Dan Patrick Show on ESPN radio and said her organization will target PGA Tour players in an attempt to force the 69-year-old club to admit women.

It's her hope that if guys like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson or any of the top golfers on tour support her cause, Augusta National may change its policy.

And if no one watches the Masters, she thinks the club will be compelled to let women in.

I think she is wrong.

Augusta National chairman Hootie Johnson has made it clear the club will not be bullied or pressured by Burk's campaign.

Nor should it be.

Augusta National is a private club allowed to set its membership requirements -- right or wrong.

The club currently allows women who are spouses or guests of members to play.

And so what if a bunch of rich men don't want a bunch of rich women to join their club?

Burk, of all people, should know there are far more serious injustices committed against women every day.

If she is so incensed by Augusta National's backward way of conducting business, she has every right to open a women's-only golf club.

Hopefully, Augusta National will realize we're in the 21st century and allow women to become members.

Until then, I won't lose any sleep over it. And I still plan on watching one of golf's greatest tournaments.