Burning Tree Golf Club: Sexism isn’t up to par
In front of Burning Tree Golf Club, one of the most exclusive golf courses in area, a sign keeps out trespassers. Burning Tree is especially exclusive because they don’t allow women to become members. One day a year, they let women in during a three hour window to shop for their husbands at the pro shop.
June 10, 2019
On a spacious, tree-lined golf course hidden away on Burdette Road, some of the most elite men in the D.C. area unwind through rounds of golf. Burning Tree Golf Club is one of the most exclusive clubs in the area, with an initiation fee of $75,000 and invitation-only membership. It’s exclusive for another reason as well: no women are allowed on the property.
At the club, women aren’t allowed membership or employment. Just recently, the club began allowing women on the property during a specific three hour window one day a year by appointment only to shop for their husbands at the pro shop. There also isn’t a women’s bathroom anywhere on the property.
Burning Tree club owners have fought hard to keep women out of the club since it opened in 1923. They were even willing to forego their low-tax status, where country clubs pay little to no tax because they preserve “open space”; in 1989, a female judge from the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that Burning Tree club did not qualify for a tax break because they discriminate against women. They now have to pay approximately $150,000 more in taxes each year than other country clubs in the area.
Excluding women is a sexist and outdated policy, and it undermines progress for gender equality. Burning Tree Golf Club needs to change their policy and allow women to join.
Banning women from the club is about much more than just golf. In the past century, the club has hosted many influential political figures—including Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Membership of this elite club can give face-to-face access to some of the most important people in the country, yet it’s denied to half the country’s population.
Excluding women doesn’t help the club’s image either. Over the years, the media has scolded many prominent members, including journalist Bryant Gumbel, former Senate Minority Whip Don Nickles and former Speaker of the House John Boehner, for joining a club that bans women.
Supporters of the club’s policy say that the male-only rule is a tradition and makes the culture at the club unique, citing that the club has had this policy since its founding 96 years ago and that the customs of the club are built around a male-only environment. However, just because something is a “tradition” doesn’t mean that it’s acceptable. The world has changed a lot since this club was founded; it’s only logical that club rules should change as well. Other famous all-male golf clubs have already opened up to women. The most famous one—Augusta National, near Atlanta, Georgia—admitted its first female member in 2012. This year, Augusta is hosting its first ever women’s tournament. If other clubs can change without losing their culture, so can Burning Tree.
Burning Tree Golf Club needs to admit women as members. They are doing women, and their business, a disservice by remaining all-male while other clubs break from that tradition. Their all-male policy isn’t only sexist, it’s a setback for building a more accepting, equal community.
Priscilla Vincent • Mar 16, 2023 at 1:43 am
I am an American citizen. I was born in Michigan.
My father was a proud member of the United States Army and he served his country for countless years and was employed by Michigan Bell Telephone Company until the time of his death in 1977. My mother was employed by Mr. C. S. Mott for more than 15 years.
I have worked many years, payed taxes, and am currently enjoying retirement.
I had no idea that someplace like this golf course existed until 10 minutes ago.
I am literally sickened that a place like this can even be operational let alone, charge the fees, refuse admittence, and refuse adequate restrooms for so much of the population of my United States of America.
SOMEONE PLEASE; TELL ME THIS ISN’T TRUE!
Joe Biden • Mar 11, 2021 at 5:59 am
Bunch of losers commenting on this jerkoff article. This club is so misunderstood it’s hilarious. The male only part of the club isn’t misogynistic at all-instead it’s to foster a fraternity amongst men. There are plenty of women’s clubs throughout this country and you don’t see any men excoriating the policy.
Educated Witness • Nov 3, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Concerned Citizen For Equal Opportunity,
I would like to inform you that you are speaking of a different Burning Tree Club, for there are two. You are speaking of the one in Connecticut. Burning Tree Club in Bethesda has no electronic presence. No telephones or wireless devices are allowed on the golf course, restaurant, or bar. Patrons must leave said devices in their automobiles.
-E.W.
Whitman Whiner • May 28, 2020 at 10:17 pm
Private club private rules. What about the women’s only golf club in Toronto.? It’s sexist! I identify as a woman now I can watch the women in the changing room..it’s sexist. Typical Whitman whiner.
A Concerned Citizen for Equal Opportunity • Apr 19, 2020 at 12:12 am
Not a BT Member,
You probably should have checked your facts. Burning Tree Country Club’s own website admits they have “hosted several US Open Qualifying tournaments, MGA tournaments and many local charity tournaments over the years.” If that isn’t flashy and a tournament, I don’t know what is.
-A Concerned Citizen for Equal Opportunity
Not a BT Member • Apr 8, 2020 at 10:49 pm
Think of it like your home. Your home is privately owned land, and you are free to allow (or restrict) anyone you wish to enter that property. Burning Tree Club is privately owned, just like someone owning a home. If I chose to not allow a random person off the street into my home, is that illegal? I sure hope not. The members of BT don’t care that they are seen as sexist. They see it as it is their private land, where they are able to do as they please. They’re not harming the environment; they’re not gloating their club around the community with fancy tournaments (*cough* @ TPC & Congressional). They’re playing golf, drinking, and relaxing with their friends on private land that they own. You, or the government, should not be able to decide what someone else does with their own private land (provided there are no external consequences such as environmental harm or public disruption). I’m sorry you’re offended that BT is male only. Being offended isn’t illegal, and it sure doesn’t allow one to infringe on the right for someone to (legally) use their own private land. I suggest those who are worried about “issues” such as this, worry about more pressing issues such a the threat of climate change, affordable healthcare, or the severe incompetence of the current administration during this pandemic.
-Not a BT Member.
Josh, Whitman Student • Feb 28, 2020 at 6:37 pm
John Smith, Just because you and your compadres at Burning Tree Country Club (based on your response I am making the assumption that you belong) are unable to keep your zippers up doesn’t mean that you need a place to let loose and as you so lovingly put it, “be with the boys,” it means you need to develop some self-control. As for all of those who point out that women can have their own club, the point is not that women could create their own country club, the point is that minor, seemingly insignificant events happen at country clubs that actually are quite major, specifically in the realm of business. When one of the affluent members of the club is chatting with the others during a slow Saturday afternoon and says, “I need a new VP for HR” or “Do you know a good general counsel?” the men of the club are more likely to simply reply with one of the men at the club. At non-discriminatory country clubs, such business opportunities are open to men and women, but in a gender-segregated club, these opportunities do not exist. This is how gender discrimination is still allowed to exist and why the glass ceiling that is oft-mentioned is not a fallacy. Burning Tree Country Club needs to end discrimination not because women miss out on a round of golf “where the presidents play,” but because of the off-course discrimination that results. Finally, this issue and reporting on it have been around for a while. In fact, the New York Times first reported on this exact issue in 1983. Finally, BTCC didn’t and doesn’t allow even female secret service agents on the property. Incredibly, even more so than the club needs to include women simply for equalities sake (if nothing else), the members should be ashamed of themselves.
John Smith • Jan 10, 2020 at 10:33 am
So do you think that men should be allowed to go to Curves? It’s not about being sexist, or men thinking they’re better, it’s meant to be a place where men can escape family life: tell dirty jokes, walk around in their underwear, and smoke cigars without concern of offending anyone. Most of the members belong to other family-oriented clubs in the area (Chevy Chase, Congressional, Columbia, Bethesda CC) where their families are welcome. Many of the wives actually appreciate the fact that their husbands have a place to go “be with the boys” and not have to worry about them sneaking around with other women (which I can assure you is extremely common in the other clubs I mentioned). Women are entitled to have their own, comparable places if they choose. It is a PRIVATE club, not a PUBLIC facility, which means they have the freedom to set the policies as they want.
Whitman Student #2 • Jun 12, 2019 at 8:20 pm
Okay, this is a really well-written and beautiful story. This isn’t just another thing like “leave it to Whitman to be offended,” because people should be offended. This is literally the definition of discrimination and it’s NOT okay. I know women could join other clubs in the area, but it’s NOT okay that they’re not even given the choice to join the club (not that any women should want to because the club’s sexist). This club is just plain rude and sexist. It’s bad that we’re just accepting this sexist club into our community, especially because some of our world leaders are literally members of this sexist club AND no one knows about it. This club is right in front of my house and it’s a daily reminder that discrimination does still exist, even in a very democratic city like Bethesda. I’m not offended by the club, I’m just enraged. This shouldn’t still be happening just because of “tradition.” Traditions change. Move on. ALSO leave it to women to buy their husbands a gift? Like what the heck? Why would women even want to buy gifts from such a sexist club. I don’t know. Personal opinion. Don’t hate
Ava Srtter • Jun 12, 2019 at 12:52 pm
I’m a whitman alumna and I used to live near this club. I’ve driven in their on purpose and early in the morning with my uncle to see what is like. Not appealing at all…
Whitman Alum • Jun 11, 2019 at 3:41 pm
Thank you for writing this!
Parissa • Jun 11, 2019 at 3:35 pm
I’m a Whitman alumna and had a friend send this article over to me. So proud of the writer of this article! It is very well said.
Whitman Graduate • Jun 11, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Women can join literally any other club in the area. There is no reason why Burning Tree Country Club should have to change its tradition and business model. Women could start their own country club and exclude men; that is their prerogative.
This policy isn’t doing “their business a disservice” since it has obviously remained open and has done quite well over the past 100 years. This also isn’t a setback for women because it is barely affecting anyone.
Whitman Student • Jun 10, 2019 at 9:21 pm
Leave it Whitman to be offended by everything