Augusta National first allowed female members in 2012. On August 20 of that year, the club admitted former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina business executive Darla Moore as its first two female members.
The decision ended decades of male-only membership at one of golf's most prominent private clubs. Augusta National had faced sustained criticism over its membership policy, especially during a 2002 campaign led by Martha Burk. The dispute also put pressure on Masters sponsors and brought unusual public attention to the club's traditionally private affairs.
The change occurred after Billy Payne became chairman. Earlier in 2012, Payne had declined to discuss whether women would be admitted, emphasizing that membership decisions were private. The club later announced the invitations to Rice and Moore, both of whom accepted.
A common mix-up is confusing membership with participation. Women had long played Augusta National as guests or attended the Masters, but formal club membership began only in 2012. The club later expanded its involvement in women's golf by launching the Augusta National Women's Amateur in 2019.