Payne kept silent about Women’s issue in Augusta

Payne's Olympic golf idea was killed for your very reason he loved it: Olympic leaders could not allow this type of discriminatory spot to host one of its events. But, having said that, he still took to lead what became referred to as the "Women's Olympics" for all you strides created by women on Payne's watch, such as inaugural women's soccer and softball competitions.

So it was Wednesday that, Payne, now 64 and chairman of Augusta National for six years, held his annual news conference around the eve in the 2012 Masters and spent some time in their opening discount golf clubs remarks doing what he i did so best: think outside the box.

He spoke eloquently of his concern for that lack of increase in golf, an understatement with the game is hemorrhaging participants, dropping 12.9% since 2003, in accordance with the National Golf Foundation. Actually is well liked mentioned junior and international programs the club champions.

"Impressive efforts, I really hope, although not enough," Payne said. "We can do better."

Questions came next. He soon was inquired on Augusta's male-only membership policy, using a follow-up on the membership status of IBM CEO Virginia "Ginni" Rometty brand new show afterward. In the two cases, Payne leaned back around the time-honored Augusta chairman's defense that membership decisions are "private."

Soon, though, an issue came that couldn't be wrapped in a real tidy package.

"Mr. Chairman, I note your concerns regarding the expansion of golf around the world, and I also note that Augusta National is an extremely famous club. No it could send an excellent message to young girls Taylormade R11 irons worldwide should they knew that particular day they can join this very famous driver?"

Payne reached for your old fallback: "Once again, that handle a subscription issue, that i'm not likely to answer it."

"No, it won't," the reporter shot back.

Another chimed in: "Seems just like a mixed message, Billy, is the thing that he's saying. You're throwing a lot of cash into growing the game, yet there's still a notion that particular people are excluded."

Payne: "That is often a membership issue that we're not going to ?- thank you ?- "

As well as on it went. I'm able to only Ping G20 irons imagine what the younger Payne would have looked at this older version, twisting himself in to a pretzel in order to avoid discussing something so benign, so kind, so worthy. Here was Payne, cornered by way of a simple question, disgracing himself with his fantastic club by screaming "privacy" to defend their out-of-date ways rather than anxiously beginning a brilliant conversation about introducing more members of our society with a game he believes is likely to make them better people. How will you "no comment" that?