Compiled by PHILIP REID

Historic moment: Augusta ends its men-only policy

It is not the only club in the US to have invoked a men-only membership, for there are some two dozen golf clubs who continue to hold such a policy, but it was the most famous. Now, Augusta National has, according to who you care listen to: (1) seen the light; (2) moved with the times and joined the modern world; (3) brought down the wall of sexism it hid behind.

In inviting two women – the former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (right) and banker Darla Moore, both in their 50s – to become members, effective from October when the club reopens for the season, Augusta National will have women members for the first time in its 80-year history in what Billy Payne, the club’s chairman, offered to be a “joyous occasion.”

The two women will constitute less than one per cent of the club’s membership (believed to number around 300) but, despite their small numerical significance, the sum of their parts is so much greater. As the host venue annually for the Masters tournament, traditionally the first Major of the year, Augusta National has borne the brunt of sustained criticism – particularly over the past decade – for its stringent men-only membership policy. The addition of women members is, indeed, historic.

“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 . . . this is a significant and positive time in our Club’s history,” said Payne.

The move to admit – or, rather, invite – women members is testimony to Payne’s quite different approach than that of his successor Hootie Johnson, who stubbornly stood his ground on the issue of women members. Johnson had acknowledged that the club was likely at some time to have women members, “but not at the point of a bayonet.”

It’s, unlikely, to have any dominoes effect on the other clubs in the US – such as Pine Valley – who continue to adopt a men-only policy. Or, indeed, for clubs like Portmarnock and Royal Dublin here in Ireland, or like Royal St George’s or Murifield across the Irish Sea.

Rory pulling his weight : And Titleist hoping to bag profits

It'll be interesting to see if Rory McIlroy's USPGA win – securing his second career Major – will have a knock-on effect for Titleist, especially when it comes to golfers taking possession of the lookalike staff tour bags which are available to the public.

The golfalot.com Price Index – which provides consumer data relating to the UK market – was quiet for the past month with small falls across most categories (which includes clubs, balls, shoes and bags and trolleys) leading to a 0.14 per cent fall in sales across the board.

Although the sales of golf clubs were generally down, it was the sale of golf bags – principally the 2012 Staff Bag from Cobra, designed to fit in with their distinctive bright orange look – which bucked the trend. The sales of golf bags was up +0.9 per cent and represented the market's biggest mover.

Given McIlroy's rise to a multiple Major winner and his return to the world number one spot, his continued high profile could result in a similar rise in the Titleist Staff Tour Bags, which are available for €249 each .

Fitting finish: Sergio gets the job done

Sergio Garcia can hardly be described as a serial closer on the US Tour: his win in the Wyndham Championship yesterday was just his eighth title in 240 career starts Stateside and his first since The Players championship in 2008.

Crucially Garcia improved hugely on one of his main faults – final round scoring – in getting the job done in North Carolina. His season's average in the final round of a tournament is 71.50 (ranked 114th on tour).

Ball put in motion? Pay the penalty

Q In playing a chip shot, a player's club strikes the ground several inches behind the ball but does not come into contact with the ball. However, the ground is struck with sufficient force to cause the ball to move. The player's club continues and then strikes the ball. Should the player be penalised?

A Yes. The player must count his stroke and add a penalty stroke under Rule 14-4. Even thought he club itself did not initially strike the ball, the ball was put in motion due to the stroke and, therefore, Rule 14-4 applies.