"Sorenstam, First Female Golfer to Become Augusta National Member"
US Golfweek Citing Multiple Sources
Augusta National Golf Club Denies Confirmation
Sorenstam, the 'Golf Queen' with 72 LPGA Wins
‘Golf Empress’ Annika Sorenstam (Sweden) has become a member of Augusta National Golf Club.
American golf media outlet Golfweek reported on the 24th (local time), "Sorenstam has joined Augusta National Golf Club, which is known for its strict membership selection," adding, "Earlier this month, she became the first female golfer to wear the Green Jacket, the symbol of Augusta National Golf Club membership." The outlet added, "Citing multiple sources, Golfweek revealed Sorenstam's membership at Augusta National Golf Club, but the golf course refused to confirm it." Augusta National Golf Club does not disclose its membership list under the pretext of protecting members' privacy.
Sorenstam is a player who ranks third in all-time wins with 72 victories on the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. She won 10 major championships and was inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame. When the world rankings were established in 2006, she became the inaugural number one and held the top spot for 1 year and 2 months until April 2007, retiring in 2008. Since then, she has taken on various roles including golf course design, running a golf academy, Solheim Cup captain, and president of the International Golf Federation (IGF). Sorenstam is the third golfer ever to become a member, following the late Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus (both from the U.S.). Tiger Woods (U.S.), the ‘Golf Emperor’ who has won the Masters five times, is not yet a member.
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Augusta National Golf Club is estimated to have about 300 members, mostly wealthy and influential businessmen. It was established in 1932 as a men-only golf club and began hosting the major tournament, the Masters, in 1934. Due to its exclusive operation, it is known as the most difficult golf club in the world to become a member of. Even Bill Gates (U.S.), the founder of Microsoft, waited a long time to gain membership. Traditionally, it did not accept female members and faced criticism for it. The barrier against women was broken only 11 years ago. In 2012, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was accepted as a member, gradually opening the door to female members as well.
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