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Payne: No need to talk to Burk
New Augusta National chairman maintains Johnson's posture

By STAN AWTREY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/09/06 Just because Augusta National has changed leadership doesn't mean the club will actively pursue its first female member.
Most observers see Billy Payne, the new chairman of Augusta National and the Masters tournament, as being more open to the addition of women members. But at his first teleconference as incoming chairman, Payne gave no indication that change is imminent.


"As you've heard many times in the past, on membership matters, all of them will be decided by our members, and we have no specific timetable to address (the female membership) issue," Payne said.
Payne said he won't meet with activist Martha Burk, who tried to organize a protest of the 2003 Masters. Burk and outgoing Masters chairman Hootie Johnson enjoyed a particularly vitriolic relationship.
"I think I'm very much aware of her positions on all issues as they relate to Augusta National and I don't really see at this time that any dialogue would be meaningful or helpful," Payne said.
Payne becomes only the sixth chairman in club history and the first lifelong Georgian to hold the position, taking over for Johnson on May 21. He said he holds with respect the customs and traditions of the club and the chairmen who have "stood for integrity, honor and respect."
Payne addressed several issues Monday.
Course changes: Minor alterations will be introduced for 2007 which could make the course a tad easier. The tees at No. 11 and 15 will have 5-7 yards added to the front, making them consistent with the other tees and providing more flexibility if conditions are windy or the fairways are soft. The landing area on the 11th hole will be expanded 3-5 yards on the right side, which should help the medium-length hitter. The grass under the trees at the 11th hole will be replaced by pine straw, making it consistent with the rest of the course.
Eligibility: The club is considering a return to the automatic qualifier for those who win a PGA Tour event. Payne said the change wouldn't occur for the 2007 tournament, since qualification standards are already in place. The change could occur as early as 2008.
Television coverage: Johnson's regime ushered in 18-hole coverage on the weekend. Expanded coverage for the first and second round is a possibility. "I think that's something we will look at frequently," he said.
A tournament ball: Payne said the club is hopeful that the U.S. Golf Association, the Royal and Ancient, and the PGA Tour will continue to look at limitations on equipment. "While we hope that resolution would come as quickly as possible through that normal process of governing bodies, we would not take that option off the table in the context of what lengths we would go to protect our own course," Payne said.
Johnson's role: The two became good friends after Payne joined the club in 1997. Johnson approached Payne with the notion of becoming club chairman, an idea that originally stunned Payne. He will remain a confidant and adviser. "I can only tell you that our friendship is strong and whether we're talking about Augusta National or Masters matters, we will be talking often, if nothing else than advancing a friendship we've enjoyed over these last nine years," Payne said.
Expansion: Purchase of neighboring lands will continue as the club works toward completion of its new practice facility, scheduled to be completed in 2010 or 2011. New land will be used for parking. "We have had this effort underway now for a couple of years. It is ongoing," Payne said. "We hope to have some renderings to be able to share sometime next year."

LONG SHOTS
Incoming Augusta National chairman Billy Payne was non-committal Monday about the possibility of a woman joining the club. Here are our top five choices should they change their minds.

1. Sandra Day O'Connor
Has plenty of time to play now that she has retired from the U.S. Supreme Court, where she was its first female member.

2. Vera Wang
The fashion designer is an avid golfer, who plays with her single-digit handicap husband. Can you see a redesign of the green jacket?

3. Andrea Jung
The Avon CEO and GE board member has an in with Jack Welch, former GE CEO and Augusta National member.

4. Condoleezza Rice
The U.S. Secretary of State was seen last December playing TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth.

5. Tea Leoni
She's quite the celebrity golfer and what Augusta National member wouldn't want to be in her foursome?