Burk seeks permission to protest at Masters front gate

The lead critic of Augusta National Golf Club&#39;s all-male membership asked permission today for more than 200 people to stage a one-day protest during the Masters tournament, with a small number posted at the gate to Magnolia Lane. <br> <br> Martha Burk, chair of the National Council of Women&#39;s Organizations, wants a permit for 24 protesters to stand at either side of the club&#39;s main gate, where a public sidewalk runs along Washington Road. <br> <br> Burk is also seeking permission for an additional 200 to demonstrate on Washington Road across the street from the club. The protest would take place during the third round of the Masters on April 12. <br> <br> Augusta-Richmond County Sheriff Ronald Strength, who has seven days to approve or deny Burk&#39;s protest application, has said previously he would not allow protesters along Washington Road because of heavy traffic and safety concerns. <br> <br> In a telephone interview, Burk said, ``The whole point of a protest is to reach the people you are trying to influence, and that would be the members of the club who come in through the front gate. We&#39;ve asked for a very reasonable number of people there on either side of the gate. It&#39;s not enough people in any way to disrupt the traffic.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The Reverend Jesse Jackson&#39;s Rainbow/PUSH coalition is also expected to protest during the Masters to show support for Burk. Other groups have also asked for protest applications.