Report: Annika Set To Become A Member Of Augusta National

According to reports we can expect to see a new member of the Augusta National Golf Club in the coming weeks. Ten-time major winner Annika Sorenstam looks set to become the latest member of one of golf's most elite clubs having been one of the starters at the Augusta Women’s National Amateur in 2019.

The Swede will join a host of leading women though she will be the first female player to be fitted for a green jacket.

In 2012 former US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, and financier, Darla Moore joined the club. Since then we have seen Heidi Ueberroth, co-chairman of Pebble Beach Co, former USGA president Diana Murphy, former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty and executive chairman of the Santander Group Ana Botin.

After taking so long for the club to admit any women, and having a history of protests outside the property, the club chairman Fred Ridley addressed the topic in his 2022 pre-tournament press conference.

“I don’t know about you but when anything happens or any idea that you had turns out well and you’re pleased about it, initiative, whatever, you might always say, well, why didn’t we do that sooner? And that’s a fair, that’s a fair thought. And so I wish – I wish we had have,” he said.

“Women members are a very important part of our membership, and you will continue to see over the years, if you look, more green jackets that are women. I’m going to make sure of that. We have a number of women members who we are delighted are part of our organisation. I think you know, certainly, who some of them are. They have been great contributors to our organisation, both I would say substantively and things they are doing to help us, both with the Masters and otherwise.”

When the Swede, who captured 72 LPGA Tour titles throughout her illustrious career as well as becoming the first woman to play a PGA Tour event since 1945 at Colonial 20 years ago, hit one of the opening tee shots at the ANWA she admitted to being fairly emotional.

"I was a little nervous. I had a tear coming up when I looked at my family. Gives me a tear now, but it was cool.
We all know it's historical, for everybody, whatever level, wherever you're one of the players or sponsors, media, first time. It's cool to see all the pieces come together as far as my professional career and then with the foundation and then standing next to Nancy and then the global aspect with Lorena and Se Ri and just to be here. I can't explain it other than I'm very honoured and touched about it."

Augusta likes to keep its affairs private but it is thought that there are around 300 members which number some of the wealthiest and most influential people on the planet.