Golf Legend Annika Sorenstam First Female Pro to Join Augusta National Club Membership

Sorenstam, a 10-time major champion, calls the surprise invitation one of the "happiest days" of her golf life, joining Augusta National Club a decade after it admitted its first female members.

• Annika Sorenstam, ten-time major champion and winner of 90 worldwide titles, has become the first LPGA professional to receive an invitation to join the Augusta National Golf Club.
• Sorenstam referred to her invitation as one of the 'happiest days' of her golfing career, and expressed excitement about the opportunity not only to play the course, but to get to know the club's members.
• Augusta National, host of the Masters since 1934, admitted its first female members, Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore, in 2012 after long-standing criticism over its male-only membership. Other notable female members include IBM's first female CEO, Ginni Rometty, and former USGA President, Diana Murphy.
• The announcement was made during a teleconference promoting 'Parity Week by Gainbridge'; a celebration of sportswomen, led by Sorenstam, tennis legend Billie Jean King, and motor racing pioneer Lyn St James, which includes events like the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and the Women in Motorsports North America Summit.
• Although Sorenstam's influence within the club remains uncertain due to the recency of her membership, other sports figures, including Billie Jean King, hope she might facilitate the hosting of a women's professional tournament at Augusta National.

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