It’s taken 80 years but Augusta National has finally been dragged into the 21st Century with news the ultra-exclusive Georgia golf club has allowed two females to become members.

Former U.S. Secretary of State, Condeleezza Rice and business executive Darla Moore.

Augusta Chairman, Billy Payne released news of the first women in the 80-year history of Augusta National.

“This is a joyous occasion as we enthusiastically welcome Secretary Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as members of Augusta National Golf Club,” said Payne in a statement released to the media.

Darla Moore and Condoleeza Rice end 80 years Augusta National discrimination.

“We are fortunate to consider many qualified candidates for membership at Augusta National. Consideration with regard to any candidate is deliberate, held in strict confidence and always takes place over an extended period of time. The process for Condoleezza and Darla was no different.

“These accomplished women share our passion for the game of golf and both are well known and respected by our membership. It will be a proud moment when we present Condoleezza and Darla their Green Jackets when the Club opens this fall.

“This is a significant and positive time in our Club’s history and, on behalf of our membership, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome them and all of our new members into the Augusta National family.”

Rice, 57, was America’s National Security Adviser under former President George W. Bush and then was appointed Secretary of State for his second term.

“I am delighted and honored to be a member of Augusta National Golf Club,” she said.

“I have visited Augusta National on several occasions and look forward to playing golf, renewing friendships and forming new ones through this very special opportunity.

“I have long admired the important role Augusta National has played in the traditions and history of golf. I also have immense respect for the Master and its commitment to grow the game of golf, particularly with youth, here in the United States and throughout the world.”

Moore, 58, is vice president of Rainwater, Inc., a private investment company, and founder and chair of the Palmetto Institute, a nonprofit organisation aimed at bolstering per capita income in the State of South Carolina.

She also is the founder and chair of The Charleston Parks Conservancy, a foundation focused on enhancing the parks and public spaces of Charleston, S.C.

“Augusta National has always captured my imagination, and is one of the most magically beautiful places anywhere in the world, as everyone gets to see during the Masters each April,” Moore said.

“I am fortunate to have many friends who are members at Augusta National, so to be asked to join them as a member represents a very happy and important occasion in my life.

“Above all, Augusta National and the Masters Tournaments have always stood for excellence, and that is what is so important to me.”

Among the first to welcome the annoucement was Tiger Woods, a four-time Masters champion.

“I think the decision by the Augusta National membership is important to golf,” said Woods.

“The Club continues to demonstrate its commitment to impacting the game in positive ways. I would like to congratulate both new members, especially my friend Condi Rice.”

LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam called it a historic day for women in the game of golf.

“I am delighted that Augusta National has allowed two female members into their club. Condoleezza and Darla are highly respected women and business leaders,” she said.

The Associated Press says Monday’s announcement marked a significant departure for Augusta National, which had always declined comment about membership issues. Most recently in April, when Payne was questioned at length about the lack of female members in his annual news conference the day before the Masters.

The most recent debate was sparked because one of the Masters’ sponsors, IBM, had recently promoted Virginia “Ginni” Rometty as its first female CEO, and Augusta National traditionally had offered memberships to the CEO of IBM.

Payne deflected the questions with the statement, “Once again, that deals with a membership issue, and I’m not going to answer it.”

Monday’s announcement also comes 10 years after activist Martha Burk of the National Council of Women’s Organizations sent a letter to Hootie Johnson, Payne’s predecessor as chairman, about admission of female members.