Augusta National Accepts First Female Members, Including Condoleezza Rice

AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 07: William Porter "Billy" Payne, the chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, talks to members of the media during a press conference prior to the 2010 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2010 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Augusta National had considered admitting women for some time now and finally went through with it with Condoleeza Rice and Darla Moore.

Augusta National Golf Club has admitted two women as the first female members of the club, Chairman Billy Payne announced on Monday.

The two women are South Carolina businesswoman Darla Moore and former Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice.

Payne has considered admitting a woman for five years. He finally decided to go through with the move.

"This is a joyous occasion as we enthusiastically welcome Secretary Condoleeza Rice and Darla Moore as members of Augusta National Golf Club," Payne said in a statement. "We are fortunate to consider many qualified candidates for membership at Augusta National. Consideration with regard to any candidate is deliberate, held in strict confidence and always takes place over an extended period of time. The process for Condoleeza and Darla was no different."

Rice also released her own statement in regards to her new membership.

"I am delighted and honored to be a member of Augusta National Golf Club," Rice said. "I have visited Augusta National on several occasion and look forward to playing golf, renewing friendships and forming new ones through this very special opportunity."

Rice is the former secretary of state under George W. Bush and Moore is vice president of Rainwater, Inc., a private investment company and founder and chair of the Palmetto Institute, a nonprofit think tank aimed at bolstering per capita income in South Carolina.