it wasn't clear whether Ms. Rometty would attend the tournament

Ms. Rometty's case presents a uniquely delicate problem for IBM along with the tournament, one among golf's most prestigious. IBM is among the Masters longtime corporate sponsors. Ms. Rometty, who plays golf but is much more partial to scuba diving, may be the technology giant's first female CEO.

Augusta has offered membership with a variety of IBM CEOs but because of its all-male policy, it's unclear appears to be invitation has become extended to Ms. Rometty.

Earlier within the week, it wasn't clear whether Ms. Rometty would attend the tournament, which started Ping G20 irons Thursday. Within the ensuing days, her situation has become a subject of fevered national debate.

On Thursday, it touched the presidential campaign, with both White House and Mitt Romney weighing in.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters that Obama "believes Augusta should admit women," adding it was "kind of no longer carried out time when women ought to be excluded from anything."

With a campaign remain in Pennsylvania, Mr. Romney followed suit: "I'm not a member of Augusta. I'm not sure that I would qualify?amy golf performance is not that good?abut certainly if I were an associate and when I really could run Augusta?-of course I'd have women in Augusta."

Augusta National's chairman, Billy Payne, said Wednesday the problem of who gets invited to join the club is "subject for the private deliberations of the members."

An Augusta spokesman said he couldn't know whether Ms. Rometty was attending the tournament, but noted that IBM does bring guests and executives for the event.

Ms. Rometty, who took IBM's helm at the beginning of Ping G20 driver this season, hasn't commented publicly about the matter. She plays golf, though not frequently, IBM says. She intends to entertain clients at the tournament.

IBM continues to sponsor the tournament which is one of many company's major advertising and marketing events of the year, said an individual knowledgeable about the matter.

If Ms. Rometty isn't offered a regular membership it might be a break from Masters tradition. The past four CEOs of IBM are actually offered membership, that allows a person to don the club's famous green blazer.

Still, the principle executives usually have had to wait before securing membership, said a person informed about the problem. When Samuel J. Palmisano became CEO of IBM in March 2002, he wasn't immediately created discount golf clubs a member, said anyone.

After he took the superior job, there was considerable discussion among Mr. Palmisano and his awesome associates over whether he should join a club that excludes women, said the person. He ultimately chose to apply anf the husband was accepted as being a member.