Martha: 2003 Argument Won't Fly This Time For ANGC

Lynn Zinser of the New York Times includes an interesting point from Martha Burk, back making the rounds in light of the IBM CEO membership situation raised by Bloomberg.

But, Burk said, the pressure is even greater on I.B.M., a public company with women as customers, managers and now a chief executive.

“Back in 2003, they tried to make this false distinction between Augusta the club and the Masters tournament,” Burk said. “But there is no distinction and their customers are not going to swallow that line. This is a moral imperative and so far, I.B.M. is not living up to it.”

Zinser points out that IBM is continuing to refuse comment about Ms. Rometty's status at the club or the company position on club policies.

Meanwhile AP has tackled the topic and Doug Ferguson's lengthy story has popped up just about everywhere possible, almost ensuring that the story will have legs.

Burk says this will test the IBM Board, which has at least two Augusta National members, retired CEO Sam Palmisano and Ken Chenault of American Express.

"Really, I don't think it's her responsibility," Burk said. "It's the board of directors. They need to take action here. They don't need to put that on her. They need to say, 'This is wrong. We thought the club was on the verge of making changes several years ago, and we regretfully end our sponsorship to maintain her credibility and the company brand.' "

As Ferguson notes, what makes this all rather pitiful no matter where you come down on the argument is the notion that this may be the most anticipated Masters in memory.