Nancy Lopez supports Augusta policy

ALBANY, Ga. - Nancy Lopez said she doesn&#39;t mind Augusta National&#39;s long-standing policy prohibiting women from becoming members.<br> <br> &#34;You know, I hate that that has come up because I have always respected the tradition at Augusta,&#34; Lopez told the Albany Herald. &#34;And it was never a tradition of male or female to me, it was always just tradition.&#34;<br> <br> Lopez also said she&#39;s not fighting for women&#39;s membership but would accept if she were invited to join Augusta, which hosts the Masters.<br> <br> Martha Burk, the chairwoman of the National Council of Women&#39;s Organizations, said she&#39;s disappointed a female golfer of Lopez&#39;s stature would accept the policy.<br> <br> &#34;I think that as the most prominent women&#39;s golfer of the last generation, her support for our campaign could go a long way,&#34; Burk said.<br> <br> Burk&#39;s organization has been lobbying prominent Augusta National members to convince the club&#39;s leadership to change its membership policy.<br> <br> Lopez has won 48 tournaments, including three LPGA championships in 25 years on the tour. She has played Augusta twice with a member.<br> <br> &#34;I don&#39;t feel women have to go join Augusta because it&#39;s really not a man-woman issue. It&#39;s just understood,&#34; Lopez said. &#34;I don&#39;t feel like there&#39;s discrimination there.&#34;<br>

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/10/189202