William Woodward “Hootie” Johnson, who steered the famed Augusta National Golf Club through many of its stormiest times, died Friday at 86 years old.
Johnson, who served as the club’s chairman from 1998 to 2006, did not waver when making a decision that involved the private club or the Masters tournament, some unpopular and some controversial.
His biggest test came in 2003 when Johnson became embroiled in a very public squabble with Martha Burk, president of the National Council of Women’s Organizations, over the club’s lack of female membership. Johnson pointed out that women play many rounds at Augusta each year and that membership issues were exclusively a club decision.
Johnson said he wouldn’t have his mind changed at the “point of a bayonet.”
Burk’s protest fizzled and went away.
“I don’t feel like we won anything,” Johnson said in a 2004 news conference. “I think it’s over, but it will never be over, but I don’t think we’ve won anything.”
His comment proved prescient, as women were admitted in 2012.
You can read more about the pugnacious and generous Johnson in the full story at myAJC.com
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