Sports

Women members, expanded coverage show Augusta finally is stepping into 21st Century

For most of the last decade, there have been three constants at The Masters: azaleas, pimento cheese sandwiches and the chairman of Augusta National Golf Club being asked when a female would be added to its membership.

The latter topic has come up every year since Martha Burk’s protest movement in 2002, only to be dismissed because public discussions of membership policies are frowned upon at this establishment. All that changed in August with the announcement former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina financier Darla Moore became official members of the exclusive club.

When making the announcement, current chairman Billy Payne called it “a significant and positive time in our club’s history.” Some like LPGA legend Nancy Lopez called it “a big stepping stone for women’s golf and for women in general because of what Augusta stands for.” Others viewed it as simply two rich women joining a club of rich men, offering little impact on the general public.

Nonetheless, the inclusion of women members at Augusta National is the highlight of several progressive measures Payne has taken to bring The Masters out of the dark ages and into the 21st Century.

Sure, many of the tried-and-true traditions of The Masters remain, some worth applauding — including white jump suits on the caddies and no corporate tents. But since becoming chairman in 2006, Payne has enhanced Augusta National’s reach globally and ushered it into the digital age.

Remember when the only the back nine of the tournament was televised? That was all you were allowed to see of Augusta National and The Masters. This year, even the practice rounds will be broadcast along with the Par-3 contest. Between Masters.com, the CBS Sports Network and live coverage on CBS, The Masters can be seen from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. each day. Some 12 hours of 3D coverage also are scheduled. And for those who want to keep up by phone, The Masters has introduced free apps to follow live news and scoring. This is not your father’s Masters.

“Each year, our goal is to deliver meaningful content in a significant way,” Payne said in a recent press release. “Fans of The Masters can experience the history, tradition and competition of the tournament in any manner they wish to receive it, either through our television coverage or any number of immersive online offerings.”

Despite all the technology advances and while holding firm on moderately priced concession fare, the 800-pound gorilla in the room was the lack of female members. Now Payne won’t have to squirm during his annual press conference. He won’t have to dodge questions about why a tournament that generates so much public money seemed to be so staunchly against admitting women. He will talk about the unprecedented number of media to view The Masters and the club’s plans to continue to grow the game globally.

No doubt, he and Augusta National will be applauded this week for its admission of female members. You can decide whether they deserve an ovation or a polite golf clap.

To stay it’s a stepping stone for women in general probably is a stretch and overestimates Augusta National’s influence on everyday society. But it at least removes the veil of exclusion and sexism that once surrounded this tournament on the course and the in clubhouse. This weekend, The Masters will offer an updated blend of tradition and modern technology.

The bottom line is, it finally is all about the golf and the ability to witness just about every shot from your television, computer or cell phone. That never will be frowned upon.

george.willis@nypost.com