IBM National President Billy Payne is asked about the men - only membership policy . He says membership is ` ` subject to the private deliberation of women '' Ginni Rometty , IBM 's top executive , can not join despite her company 's sponsorship . Her status has reignited the ongoing controversy as the Masters begins .
Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne is asked about the men-only membership policy . He says membership is `` subject to the private deliberation of members '' Ginni Rometty , IBM 's top executive , can not join despite her company 's sponsorship . Her status has reignited the gender controversy as the Masters begins .