Carver and Maryann Burk had separated, and he was living, happy and sober, with the poet Tess Gallagher.

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"It wasn't a lack of worthy women" that prevented women from being part of the club, said Gloria Feldt, an activist and author who calls herself a friend of Burk's.

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Abrams is producing with Bryan Burk through Bad Robot Productions, along with Lindelof, Kurtzman and Orci.

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Most of the private mahogany-paneled city clubs of New York and Washington, opened membership to women after being sued, said Martha Burk, former chair of the National Council of Women's Organizations A few men-only social clubs remain, such as New York's Racquet and Tennis Club, where a manager told CNN "we don't respond to any questions" before hanging up.

CNN: Augusta National a powerful holdout among men-only clubs

The choice of Rice and Moore will ensure that women admitted to Augusta will be equals to their male counterparts, Burk said.

CNN: Augusta National Golf Club admits first female members