Augusta members’ tees no problem for Condoleezza Rice

CONDOLEEZZA Rice has the game to take on the members’ tees at Augusta National, according to the Scot who coaches one of the women granted Green Jackets in an historic move by the host club of The Masters.
By MARTIN DEMPSTER
Published 30th Aug 2012, 01:00 BST

CONDOLEEZZA Rice has the game to take on the members’ tees at Augusta National, according to the Scot who coaches one of the women granted Green Jackets in an historic move by the host club of The Masters.

Kathryn Imrie, a former LPGA Tour winner from Monifieth, has been working with Rice, the former US Secretary of State, at Stanford University in California.

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Imrie is the women’s assistant golf coach there while Rice, who has just been granted membership of Augusta along with financier Darla Moore, is a faculty member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

“It’s a sign of the times that Augusta has finally admitted female members and Condi is a first-class choice to make history at Augusta,” said the Scot. “Her professional career is well-documented, but many people will not know she is an avid sports fan who absolutely loves golf.

“When I get back to campus next week I will be helping Condi with her swing as she is planning to play in some big events next year.

“We have a plan in motion to sharpen up her posture and alignment along with some hard work in the short-game department. There is no doubt Condi can handle the members’ tees at Augusta, but those greens will be a challenge!”

Rice is heavily involved in the golf team at Stanford, where another Scot, Sally Watson, has been among those to benefit from advice offered by one of the women chosen to become the first female members of 
Augusta in its 80-year history.

“The first time I really got to know Condi was during one of our fund-raising events for the Stanford women’s team,” added the former Curtis Cup player. “We organised a day with Juli Inkster and Condi. It was a very successful day and those lucky enough to attend received some great golf tuition and were treated to an incredible Q&A session with the former Secretary of State which was inspiring to all.

“Not only is Condi a great supporter of the golf team but she also serves as an academic advisor to the girls who are studying international relations. Sally Watson is one of the lucky students who has Condi guiding her with her academic decisions.”

Watson, who heads back to Stanford early next month, is also delighted to see Rice breaking down gender barriers in golf. “She is a very successful and inspirational person who continues to make history,” said the Scot.