[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "What is a Snobby Club?"

Augusta National is a thoroughly member-centric golf course.

The United States has many conservative and exclusive golf courses.

Augusta National in Georgia, where the Masters is held, is a prime example. It operates on a strict member-only basis and has even earned the notorious nickname of a "snobby club." Membership is only possible through recommendation. Initially, all members were white males, and caddies were Black. It was not until 1990 that Black members were first admitted. When the author visited in December 2009, it was said that "you cannot even pass the main gate without being accompanied by a member."

All members wear a green jacket with the club logo embroidered on the left chest. Since Sam Snead (USA) won the Masters in 1949, the tradition of dressing the champion in a green jacket has continued annually. The approximately 300 members remain shrouded in secrecy according to the club's privacy policy. Most are prominent figures such as Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, Warren Buffett, CEOs of major American corporations, and politicians.

Women were first admitted in 2012, including former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and businesswoman Dala Moore. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton applied for membership but was rejected. Former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and George Walker Bush are also not members. For reference, a snob is a social climber, snobbism is the attitude of a social climber, and snobby refers to someone who pretends to be a gentleman but is vain and haughty.

A: I would like to join your Augusta National Golf Club. How do I apply for membership?

B: There is no way to apply to join. Augusta National memberships are by invitation only. Everyone must be reviewed by the membership committee.

A: Really, your club sounds very snobby.

B: It's true. Even ex-presidents aren't allowed to join.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist