Hootie Johnson defends Augusta policies

The Masters has put out the welcome mat for the first Chinese golfer to take part and promised to open its doors to 14-year-old Michelle Wie but membership to the Augusta National Golf Club will stay shut to women.

On the eve of the year's first major, Augusta chairman Hootie Johnson on Wednesday defended the club's controversial decision to invite Zhang Lian-wei to the 68th U.S. Masters and declared his lengthy feud with women's rights champion Martha Burk over.

But while Johnson dismissed his battle with Burk, he conceded that the war to have women admitted as members to the world's most exclusive golf club is sure to continue.

"I don't feel like we won anything, I think it's over, but it will never be over," said Johnson. "We are a private club and I'm not going to talk about our club matters.

"You know, I really think the American public is ready for us to talk about golf.

"Our golf course is in the best condition it's ever been. We've got a great field.

"We think we're going to have it hard and fast, and that's what we're here today to talk about -- golf."

While Burke may be gone from Augusta she is not forgotten.

For the second year in a row, the Masters will be broadcast commercial free, a decision made in 2003 to protect several exclusive members and their companies from a consumer backlash orchestrated by the National Council of Women's Organisations' Burk.

After her planned protest at the gates of Magnolia Lane, the famed entrance to Augusta, was successfully scuttled last year, Burk has launched a new campaign targeting members and companies associated with the club.

Saying he would not be forced at the "point of a bayonet" into admitting a female member, Johnson has refused to back away from his hardline stance but hoped to one day welcome back sponsors to the tournament.

"Well, we were very pleased with our TV presentation last year," he said. "We don't have any firm plans on sponsors for the future but I do expect that we'll have them back in time."

The Masters could well see the first woman golfer competing before the club inducts its first female member.

Wie, the Hawaiian teenager touted as the future Tiger Woods of the women's game, has competed on the men's PGA Tour and would be welcome at Augusta if she met required standards.

"We'd be pleased to have Michelle play in the Masters Tournament if she qualifies," said Johnson.

Leading players on the Asian Tour last month were critical of Augusta National's decision to invite Zhang ahead of more successful golfers, saying the move had political overtones.

"Well, first, all you know we've historically invited international players, given invitations to international players," said Johnson.

"We felt it was good for the game of golf to extend a hand to the most populous nation in the world. He is a good golfer and we thought it was entirely appropriate."