The Loop

Lynn Swann among Augusta's new members

April 07, 2010

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- If the impressive figure in the green jacket hustling up the first hole on Wednesday morning looked familiar, that's because you've probably seen him before. Among Augusta National's newest members is Lynn Swann, the Hall of Fame wide receiver for the Pittsbugh Steelers who more recently fell short in his bid as a Republican candidate for governor of Pennsylvania in 2006.

Greeted every few steps by fans, Swann,  who was born near Knoxville, Tennesse before moving to California at age 2, was polite but guarded when approached by a reporter. He said he isn't serving in any sort of official capacity for the club at this week's Masters, and is "instead just taking it all in."

"But I don't really do interviews about the clubs I belong to," said Swann, who acknowledged that he joined the club this year. "I'll just say it's great to be here."

*-- Sam Weinman *