Thomas H. Wyman, the former chief executive of US broadcaster CBS, has handed in his membership card to the Augusta course - home of the US Masters golf tournament - in protestation at the ban on female members.
Wyman cited the club's stance as 'unacceptable and pigheaded' also stating that as many as 75 of the 300 Augusta National members were opposed to the continuation of the ban on women.
Despite the loss of one of its most high profile members, the Augusta National's chairman Hootie Johnson remained defiant.
In a prepared statement, he commented: "We intend to stand firm behind our right to make what are both appropriate and private membership choices."
Johnson has come under growing pressure from angry female militant groups who have also been looking to co-erce broadcasters and sponsors to abandon the US Masters in protest at the ban.
The ongoing row over the Augusta National Golf Club's refusal to allow women's membership has led to the resignation of one of the course's senior members.
