Augusta Critics Plan Protest at Masters

SAVANNAH, Ga. _ Women who were shut out of the all-male Augusta National Golf Club want to take their protest to the Masters tournament, and threaten to take their case to court. <br><br>Martha Burk, chair

Friday, March 7th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SAVANNAH, Ga. _ Women who were shut out of the all-male Augusta National Golf Club want to take their protest to the Masters tournament, and threaten to take their case to court.

Martha Burk, chair of the National Council of Women's Organizations, requested a permit Thursday for 24 protesters to stand at the main gate on the third round of the Masters on April 12.

Burk also wants permission for an additional 200 people to demonstrate across the street from the club.

Augusta-Richmond County Sheriff Ronald Strength has seven days to consider Burk's application. He has said he would not allow the larger protest because of heavy traffic and safety concerns.

``The whole point of a protest is to reach the people you are trying to influence, and that would be the members of the club who come in through the front gate,'' Burk said in a telephone interview.

The Georgia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union delivered Burk's application to the sheriff Thursday, along with a letter saying Burk would sue if she and the sheriff cannot agree on a protest location.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow/PUSH coalition is expected to demonstrate during the Masters in support of Burk.

The Ku Klux Klan also has requested permission to demonstrate _ in favor of the all-male policy.

Augusta National declined to comment on whether Burk should be allowed to protest outside its gates.

``All matters like these are the responsibilities of local officials,'' said spokesman Glenn Greenspan. ``The club has no involvement in permitting decisions.''