(CNN) - Augusta National Golf Club opened its exclusive membership to women Monday for the first time in its 80-year history.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina businesswoman Darla Moore will become the first women to join the Augusta, Georgia, club, Chairman Billy Payne said Monday in a statement.

"These accomplished women share our passion for the game of golf and both are well known and respected by our membership," Payne said.
The issue of its formerly all-male membership has long dogged the private club and has at times threatened to overshadow the Masters Tournament, among golf's most prestigious events.

This morning on "Early Start," Mark McKay reports on this historic moment.

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