Whan Wants Women's Tournament at Augusta National Too


LPGA Tour commissioner Michael Whan has echoed Paula Creamer's hope that there will one day be a "Women's Masters" at Augusta National Golf Club.

"I've said many times, I'm impressed with what Augusta National not only has done but is doing to grow the game," Whan told reporters Wednesday. "You know, at the end of the day my father used to say, 'Don't say no to yourself in the parking lot. Go inside and let somebody say no to you face to face.' So, I go inside once a year and I ask and I hear no and that's OK."

On the day before Whan made his remarks, Creamer reasserted her idea that such a new event could be worked out. "I feel like there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to. It's 2015," said the 28-year-old Californian. "I think Augusta and the Masters and everybody with that event, they want to grow the game so badly. That's what it is, about growing the game and giving people opportunities. The Chip and Putt, all of that for the kids to be able to come out there.

"There is no reason we can't do that for women's golf as well. We're just as much a part of growing the game. I've been there, played there, stayed in Butler's Cabin. I had an awesome time. I think the patrons and everybody would love to have two weeks there, two tournaments. Why wouldn't you? Hopefully we will see something change and happen."

But the exclusive Georgia club thinks that such a new tournament won't work with its limited annual schedule. Augusta National chairman Payne said recently, "We have a very short member season at Augusta National. It's seven months only. The time that we dedicate to the preparation and conduct of the tournament is already extensive. I don't think that we would ever host another tournament."

Whan admits having an annual event at the site of the Masters probably isn't tenable. "I don't think they would probably call us and talk about an annual event," he said. "They'd tell us if it ever happened, it'd be a one-time event. That's why logistically it wouldn't be challenging for us."

"Would it be great? It'd be great," Whan added. "I don't know how you become a member at Augusta National but it's probably not by saying you wanna be! And I don't know how you have a tournament at Augusta National but it's probably not by saying that you want one! So, we've said our piece and it would be great someday, so why not dream?"