Former Masters champions Tiger Woods and Gary Player as well as several politicians have praised Augusta National Golf Club's decision to admit female members.

Club chairman Billy Payne confirmed on Monday that they have made a change to their male-only membership policy with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina financier Darla Moore accepting their initiation to join.

Former world number one Woods, a four-time winner at Augusta, welcomed the decision.

"I think the decision by the Augusta National membership is important to golf," said Woods, who knows Rice through their link with Stanford University.

"The Club continues to demonstrate its commitment to impacting the game in positive ways. I would like to congratulate both new members, especially my friend Condi Rice."

South African Player, a three-time Masters champion, tweeted: "Great news. Augusta National admits its first female members in 80 years."

Player's compatriot Tim Clark, who finished runner-up to Sergio Garcia at the Wyndham Championship on Monday said it is "sign of the times".

"Augusta's a place I love, love going there to play and love the tournament," he said.

"So it's nice to see them do this now and kind of get everyone off their backs."

Meanwhile the politicians also go in on the act with the White House and US presidential challenger Mitt Romney also praising the decision.

"Congrats to my friend @CondoleezzaRice for joining Augusta National & congrats to Augusta National for admitting its first female members," Romney tweeted.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said American President Barack Obama also welcomed the move.

"I think you'll recall that when I was asked about this back when the Masters were about to take place ... I actually spoke with the president, and his answer was very clear: women should be admitted," he said.

US PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem believes it sends a "positive message".

"The PGA TOUR commends Augusta National Golf Club on the news that it has invited Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore to become its first women members," Finchem said in a statement.

"At a time when women represent one of the fastest growing segments in both playing and following the game of golf, this sends a positive and inclusive message for our sport."

Golf 365