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Augusta National chairman William "Hootie" Johnson said on Wednesday that the club would welcome Wie into the Masters if she qualifies on equal footing with her male counterparts. “We have no intention of giving her a special invitation. But if she obtains the qualification to play in the tournament by herself, then of course she can play at Augusta National Golf Club,” he said.

If Wie, who is eyeing a future Masters green jacket, wins the U.S. Amateur Public Links title, she can set out to realize her dream. The Augusta National Golf Club awards invitations to the winners of three amateur golf championships. Renowned professional golfers welcomed Johnson’s announcement. “If you can qualify to get in, you ought to go play no matter who you are,” said Jack Nicklaus.

(englishnews@chosun.com )