Opponents of Augusta policy have options

America is wealthy, in part, because good ideas are allowed to be tested, cultivated and developed.\nIt is also wealthy because of its significant natural resources.\nIn 1930, after retiring from golf, Bob Jones proceeded with plans to build a golf course near Augusta, Ga. After consulting with Clifford Roberts and Thomas Barrett, Jr., Jones took out a $70,000 option on the 365-acre property known as the Fruitland Nurseries, which ceased its operations in 1918.\n"And to think this ground has been lying here all these years waiting for someone to come along and lay a golf course on it," Jones said upon seeing the land he and Roberts would soon own, according to the Masters' Web site, www.masters.org.\nMore than 70 years later, Jones' idea of using Georgia's beautiful land to pursue his dream appears to have been a good one. His club thrives with the help of more than 300 wealthy members from across the nation.\nBut as was the case when Augusta National Golf Club opened in December 1932, women are still not allowed to hold a membership at the privately-owned club. Women are allowed to play the course as the guest of a member.\nMartha Burk, the chairwoman of the National Council of Women's Organizations, wants Augusta National to change its membership policy to include women.\n"What (Augusta National Chairman Hootie Johnson) is doing is wrong, and I believe the American people know he's wrong," Burk told the Associated Press. "The ruling bodies in golf ... know he's wrong. Everybody agrees this is not good for golf. It's inevitable there is going to be admission of a woman member to Augusta."\nBut Burk is the one who is incorrect.\nIn private settings people can decide both who to associate with and those they do not want to be around. Augusta National has every right to exclude women from its membership.\nIn 2002 we are used to political correctness and inclusive organizations. But until Augusta National has problems attracting members -- which appears highly unlikely -- what motivation does it have to include women, particularly when the proposed change is coming from outside the club?\nOpponents of Augusta National's membership policy have at least three options to affect change.\nThe first is to lobby the companies that sponsor the Masters in an effort to reduce the money Augusta National receives from corporate sponsorships.\nNext, opponents can lobby players to avoid playing in the tournament. Arguing that playing in the Masters is an endorsement of bigoted, anti-female policies might cause some players to change their minds. Still, players can always say that they are only playing at Augusta, not joining the club. Burk's organization is pursuing the two options just mentioned.\nLast, those against Augusta's membership policies can create a women's only club, a potentially good idea capitalism provides for.\nAll three options are reasonable courses of action for NCWO and its supporters to take. Arguing that Augusta National owes women membership is not.\n-- Michael Eisenstadt for the Editorial Board