WASHINGTON >> A White House spokesman says President Barack Obama believes women should be admitted as members to the all-male Augusta National, home of the Masters golf tournament.

White House press secretary Jay Carney says Obama’s "personal opinion is that women should be admitted" to the golf club.

Carney was asked about the issue today. He says it’s "up to the club to decide" but he also said that Obama told him he personally thinks women should be welcome.

One of the club’s longtime sponsors, IBM, has a new female CEO, Virginia Rometty. The last four CEOs at IBM, all male, have been invited to be members.

The chairman of Augusta National this week has said the club will decide for itself whom to allow in its ranks.