A young woman now creating local golf history thinks it's just "a matter of time" before the world-renowned bastions of all-male golf extend membership to her gender.

Kiersten Allbright became the first woman to play in the annual Goodwill Golf Championships here this week. However, the Vermont golf pro anticipates the day when the sight of a woman on certain courses is no longer a spectacle and when debates like the current brouhaha over the male-chauvinist policies at Augusta National in Georgia - where the Masters is played - are a distant memory.

"I think in a matter of time they will probably change. There will be enough pressure for them to change. I think they will benefit from changing because women bring a lot to the game. They bring a different perspective to things," said the 27-year-old who was invited to Bermuda as part of the Quechee Club's team.

However, she acknowledged both sides for and against women have compelling cases.

"Of course, I like to think I can do anything or go anywhere that anyone else can but, at the same time, if it's a private club then those people have the right to do what they want.

"It's not as if all the clubs in the US are male-only clubs. There's a lot of places where women can play.

"The hardest part must be for couples and families. They can't be members at the all-male clubs because of that (gender bias)."

She also pondered the reverse - what if a man wanted to join an all-woman golf club?

Allbright's participation in the Goodwill tournament has gone smoothly though a ripple of opposition was initially raised when the okay was given for her inclusion. She was selected after the head pro at Quechee (in Vermont, USA) could not come.

"I can feel people watching me a bit but it's been more positive than anything. Most people are excited to see me and it feels good to be part of something new," said Allbright of her experience here thus far.

"Bermuda is amazing. The people have been wonderful. I got a great reception which made me feel very welcome and at home."

She would be even happier if her team were doing better.

"We have not played the best golf but we've had a lot of fun. Today (yesterday) was a little better though still not great," said Allbright whose team scored 63 net and 70 gross in yesterday's second round.

Having played on all the Island's courses since arriving here last Friday, she termed them "scoreable" once "you make a few putts".

"These courses are fantastic though they are very different from courses in the States. Mostly, it's the views which are very different and I am not used to playing in a lot of wind which makes a big difference to your game.

"But I love the designs of the courses here. Each hole is unique which is a lot of fun."

As 2003 beckons, Allbright has her sights set on further horizons, leaving Quechee to pursue her career as a playing professional.

"It needs a lot of work but that's been a dream of mine for a long time and I'd like to attack that dream."

No doubt in the same way her peers would relish the opportunity to "attack" Augusta National.