Storm damages Augusta; Payne mum on membership

An overnight storm dumped 1.4 inches of rain on Augusta National, forcing a significant clean-up project on the final practice day prior to Thursday's start of the Masters.


Chairman Billy Payne said several trees were brought down by the storm though none that would impact the competition. He also said Rae's Creek, which runs in front of the par-3 12th green, briefly overran its banks but there was no significant damage.

A large tree fell on the million-dollar restroom facility near the 16th tee, doing major damage. Payne said the structure should "be rebuilt and up and running by the end of the day."

In his annual question and answer session with the media, Payne addressed several topics, including the decision not to offer a special exemption to Ernie Els, whose streak of 18 consecutive Masters appearances ended, and the issue of female membership in the all-male club.

On Els, Payne said he expects Els to "be back with us often" but the decision was made not to offer him a special invitation this year.

The issue of female members has been heightened with the promotion of Jenny Rommety to president of IBM in January. Previous IBM presidents -- all men -- have been members of the exclusive club.

Payne reiterated the club's long-standing position that all membership matters will remain private.

"All issues of membership are now and have been historically subject to the private deliberations of the members," Payne said.

Payne was pressed on the matter, even asked what he would tell his granddaughters about their not being allowed membership at Augusta National, and he offered the same answer, citing the club's privacy in regard to membership.